OSCODA, Mich. (AP) - A federal grant will enable the Oscoda school system to switch its water source amid concerns about chemical pollution.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing $50,000 to help the schools connect to a water main in Iosco County’s Au Sable Township.
Toxins known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, have been found near the schools’ current water supply. U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee of Flint says the underground plumes could taint the schools’ well if they move.
The Oscoda area is among many in Michigan where the chemicals have turned up. They were a component of firefighting foam used at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base.
Federal testing in recent years has detected significant amounts of PFAS in public water supplies in 33 U.S. states.
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