For Friday, Aug. 25, 2023

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1 – The U.S. Air Force says it will take immediate action to clean up PFAS chemical contamination at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda. 

State officials say the decision comes after a multi-year effort by state, federal and local leaders related to the widely used man-made chemicals. 

PFAS chemicals break down slowly in the environment, accumulate over time and have been linked to cancer. 

The Air Force plans to install groundwater treatment systems at two additional Wurtsmith sites. 

Officials say this will help stop the flow of PFAS-impacted groundwater into nearby Van Etten Lake, which flows into Lake Huron.

The Air Force says the cleanup projects will be done in partnership with state regulators, local government and community groups.

The announcement comes two years after the Environmental Working Group released Department of Defense records about widespread PFAS contamination at hundreds of military installations, mostly from firefighting foam used in training exercises. 

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2 – There are two more invasive species to watch out for in Michigan. 

The state’s invasive species watch list was recently updated to include the mountain pine beetle, a deadly threat to pine trees, and water-primrose, a fast-spreading aquatic plant. 

Officials say the beetles and plants pose threats to native ecosystems and industry.

The public is encouraged to look for and report potential infestations of mountain pine beetle and water-primrose. 

See michigan.gov/invasives.

Another invasive plant called European frog-bit was removed from the watch list. But that’s because it’s considered to be established in many areas of Michigan. 

The sale and import of European frog-bit is still prohibited and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources says management efforts will continue. 

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard Fridays at 9:30 a.m. in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM (listen live). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes

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