The Parchment Water Response - Coordinated Response to a Water Emergency

Harn, David

The Parchment Water Response - Coordinated Response to a Water Emergency

Tuesday, August 6, 2019: 3:50 p.m.

David Harn , Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Kalamazoo, MI

On July 26, 2018, the MDEQ received results showing high levels of PFAS compounds in the City of Parchment’s municipal water supply. The water supply had been sampled on June 18 as part of a statewide sampling initiative for public water supplies and schools. Results of the sampling indicated a concentration of PFOS at 760 ppt and PFOA at 670 ppt. The total PFAS concentration identified in the system was 1,600 ppt. The water system served over 1,200 customers and 3,100 people in Parchment and adjoining Cooper Township. A “Do Not Drink” advisory was immediately issued, a state of emergency declared, and arrangements were made to provide alternate water to the affected residents. Over the course of the next 30 days, the City of Kalamazoo was able to connect its water system to Parchment’s, and on August 27, 2018, the advisory for the municipal system was lifted.

A residential well sampling program also was undertaken in the area as many residents in Cooper Township are served by private water wells. Sampling of these wells identified PFAS impacts, necessitating additional response actions. While the initial crisis impacting the municipal system has been addressed, work continues to protect residents in Cooper Township.

David Harn, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Kalamazoo, MI

David Harn is the Assistant District Supervisor for the DEQ’s Remediation and Redevelopment Division’s Kalamazoo District Office and has been with the DEQ for 7.5 years. In a prior life, Dave was a Project Manager for the DEQ, providing oversight of private and state-funded cleanup activities at sites of environmental contamination in southwest Michigan. Dave has over 18 years of environmental experience in the private and public sectors conducting environmental investigations, sampling of environmental media, preparation of thrilling environmental reports, and conducting public outreach and engagement activities.