In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the ongoing environmental issues in Cadillac, particularly related to PFAS contamination from local Superfund sites. An upcoming town hall meeting is being organized for October, coinciding with the EPA's five-year inspection of the LDFA cleanup project. The meeting aims to foster transparency and community engagement, inviting local officials, health departments, and residents to discuss the implications of PFAS contamination.
The speaker highlighted the troubling history of the city’s management of water safety, noting that residents have been unknowingly consuming contaminated water from private wells. Alarmingly, one family has reported drinking water with PFAS levels for over 16 years, leading to serious health issues, including cancer. The speaker criticized the city for its lack of testing and transparency, stating that results from tests conducted as far back as 2021 have not been disclosed.
Concerns were also raised about the city’s handling of public notifications regarding water safety, with calls for a cultural shift in how environmental issues are addressed. The speaker emphasized the need for federal guidelines on PFAS to be adopted at the state level to ensure better protection for residents.
The meeting is expected to attract media attention, aiming to raise awareness among residents about the potential dangers of PFAS exposure. The speaker expressed frustration over the city council's previous inaction on similar meetings and reiterated the importance of open dialogue between the community and government officials to address these pressing environmental concerns.