The Muskegon County PFAS Task Force will hold its second quarterly meeting of 2026 Thursday, June 25 from 6-7:30 p.m.. The meeting is open to the public and will be held virtually via Zoom. Community members interested in PFAS issues, drinking water protection, and local environmental health initiatives are encouraged to attend.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large group of man-made chemicals used in products such as firefighting foam, food packaging, nonstick cookware, and water-resistant fabrics. Because they persist in the environment and the human body, they are often referred to as "forever chemicals." Exposure to certain PFAS compounds has been associated with a variety of health concerns, and PFAS contamination remains an ongoing issue in communities throughout Michigan, including Muskegon County.
The Muskegon County PFAS Task Force was established in 2025 to bring together residents, local governments, community organizations, scientists, and state agencies to better understand and respond to PFAS contamination in Muskegon County. With 19 known PFAS sites in the county, the Task Force serves as a forum for education, collaboration, and community engagement.
The meeting will include updates on the Safe Water for Muskegon County Pilot Project, supported by a grant from the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The project is providing PFAS education, outreach, and testing resources to selected private well owners in Egelston Township, Muskegon Charter Township, and Moorland Township.
Agenda highlights include:
• Welcome and introductions, with participants sharing PFAS-related topics and questions they would like to learn more about
• Updates on the Safe Water for Muskegon County Pilot Project, including an update from intern Megan Harvey regarding the completed distribution of Cyclopure water testing kits and the development of educational and outreach materials, a discussion on the importance of private well testing and strategies for increasing community awareness led by Dr. Rick Rediske, and an update from Wade Syers of Michigan State University Extension regarding surveys provided to pilot project participants to better understand experiences, concerns, and the effectiveness of outreach efforts related to private well testing. Updates from participating townships involved in the Safe Water initiative are invited.
• An update from Joshua Ohst of Public Health Muskegon County regarding local public health activities related to PFAS
• An overview of statewide PFAS developments and opportunities to participate in PFAS Awareness Week, presented by Dr. Rick Rediske
• Information about PFAS resources available through the Grand Valley State University Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI) PFAS website, presented by Lauren Calkins
