Testing finds contaminated wells near Ford airport

Cascade Township – Testing of private drinking wells near a western Michigan airport has found chemical contaminants after a report identified the airport’s extensive use of toxic firefighting foam.

WOOD-TV reports that Ground Water Systems tested 20 wells at homes near the Gerald R. Ford International Airport southeast of Grand Rapids. Many residents requested testing after the news station revealed the airport used the toxic firefighting foam for more than two decades.

The company found perfluorinated chemicals in four wells. The chemicals are often found in the firefighting foam.

The tests didn’t find any perfluorinated chemicals above the state’s limit for drinking water. But many residents say the results show that widespread testing is needed.

Airport officials say they’re investigating the contaminants but have no immediate plans to test neighboring wells.