"My concern was I wondered how long it had been going on,” says Diana Doremire, who lives near the Grayling Airfield.
Tests show chemicals from the Camp Grayling Airfield are leaking into nearby homeowners’ wells.
The question, what happens next?
It began in May, when traces of chemicals called PFCs were discovered in the groundwater.
Test results were released Wednesday night showing several wells that had the chemical.
Only three wells tested above the EPA Lifetime Health Advisory for PFCs.
9&10’s Cody Boyer and photojournalist Derrick Larr talked to a woman with tainted water and have more details on what the Health Department is doing to help.
"I’m hoping that it will go away, but I’m not sure that it will,” Doremire says.
Diana Doremire and 22 others found out that their water wasn’t as pure as they thought.
“I didn’t seem to be too frightened because I didn’t notice any changes in anything,” Doremire says. “I thought it was just too close not to get my water tested."
Out of 178 wells tested, her home of 45 years was one of 20 with low levels of PFCs.
“I think I want to be safe and do what I’m told,” Doremire says.
According to the DEQ, three residents actually had higher levels of PFCs in their water that would make them above the EPA Lifetime Health Advisory, which is 70 parts per billion.
For Diana, she lives right across from the water testing fields.
Her results indicated lower levels of PFCs and she’s lived here for a while.
She says this has never happened to her before.
“They recommended that I have a filtration system put in,” Doremire says.
The DEQ says the chemicals are linked to liver, kidney, thyroid and other health issues.
District Health Department #10 is looking into other possibilities.
“It’s a like a cocktail of chemicals,” says Jeannine Taylor, Public Information Officer for Health Dept. District #10. “And there are two chemicals within that chemical family that the EPA has lifetime health advisory of 70 parts per trillion."
In other words, trace amounts.
The Health Department isn’t taking chances.
“The majority of those that were tested are below the EPA limit, so I think having the filtration system is just one more step in helping people feel comfortable,” Taylor says.
Each filter lasts one year, while the investigation keeps going.
“At least they are offering us something,” Doremire says. “What I’m concerned about now is this something I’ll have to always do?"
You can look at the results yourself by taking a look at from Wednesday night.
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