Michigan LCV statement on PFAS contamination in Flint River

LANSING – Lisa Wozniak, executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters today issued the following statement regarding reporting by MLive that found state officials knew the Flint River was contaminated with PFAS before the City of Flint’s water supply was switched to the Flint River. According to MLive, a Department of Health and Human Services report detailing the PFAS contamination was circulated to officials in state agencies prior to the switch, but it is unclear if the information was relayed to Flint city officials.

“Sadly, Flint’s drinking water crisis is now directly linked to unsafe levels of PFAS contamination. Worse yet, it would appear state officials knew about dangerous levels of PFAS in the Flint River and failed to notify the city and the public. It’s yet another example of government negligence in protecting our health and drinking water,” said Lisa Wozniak, executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.  “We have called all summer for lawmakers to return to Lansing and hold investigative hearings on this growing drinking water threat. Michiganders deserve answers. Yesterday’s news that officials knew Flint’s water source was polluted with PFAS as far back as 2011 should be the final straw and prompt real action by our elected officials.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, Aug. 27, 2018

Contact: Katie Parrish, Communications Director, (239) 537-9507