Visit the Hillsboro AOI MPART site for the most up-to-date information.
Peter Van Heest is the EGLE Lead for this area of interest (AOI) and can be contacted at vanheestp@michigan.gov or by calling 616.439.8019. Point of use water filters are available at the Kent County Health Department.
Join the Cascade Township PFAS AOI Interest E-mail List for future PFAS updates.
What started this investigation?
A homeowner on Hillsboro Ave SE tested their drinking water well independently and results showed PFAS levels exceeded criteria for PFOA (9.1 ppt compared to 8 ppt). They reported these results to the health department and EGLE began sampling drinking water wells nearby in February 2023.
How has EGLE decided which drinking water wells to test?
There are a few factors effecting which wells are targeted, including:
- Proximity to previous sampling results (starting from the first house tested)
- Review of water well logs
- Elevation, well depth, and soil lithology
What have tests shown so far?
As of March 13, 2026, 376 wells have been sampled. 51 of the test results were exceedances, 123 detected PFAS in amounts less than the maximum acceptable standards, and 202 were non-detect. The maximum concentrations found were PFOA at 27 ppt (compared to Michigan's acceptable standard of 8 ppt) and PFOS at 34 ppt (compared to Michigan's acceptable standard of 16 ppt).
Who/what is responsible for this PFAS?
While PFAS has been found in the water, EGLE has not been able to determine the source. It is currently easier to explain why some often mentioned sources aren't likely to be the cause.
- Lacks PFAS Site: The Lacks site that is quite close to the Hillsboro AOI isn't likely to be the source because they are at a lower elevation than the wells testing positive for PFOS. The houses that have tested positive are largely at the top of a ridge. EGLE is actively tracking the Lacks plume using test wells and it does appear to be headed towards the Hillsboro AOI. Finally, the PFOS and PFOA in the Hillsboro AOI do not appear to have the same makeup as the PFOS and PFOA found at the Lacks site, which has particulates consistent with the chrome plating they previously manufactured.
- Gerald R. Ford Airport (Burger/Goodwood PFAS Site): This source is not likely the cause due to the distance between the sites, differences in topography, and testing in the Burger/Goodwood neighborhood established a generally well accepted perimeter around the pollution.
What's next?
In July 2026, Cascade Township was awarded a $12 million grant from EGLE to oversee the connection of 117 homes served by private wells in the Hillsboro Ave area to municipal water. The Township is working through Phase One with EGLE and the City of Grand Rapids. The project is estimated to continue through 2030.
On 9.21.23, Cascade Township hosted a townhall meeting in coordination with EGLE, Kent County Health Department, and MDHHS. View the meeting's PowerPoint to find test results, general PFAS information, and next steps.
EGLE conducted an investigation into the impacted area to quantify the extent of the pollution.
Long term solutions employed at other sites include providing municipal water, replacing wells, and source removal/remediation. EGLE, the Kent County Health Department, MDHHS, and Cascade Township continue to work together to address contamination at this site.