The Watson Township Board Thursday evening unanimously adopted a resolution acknowledging two water wells at the former dump site tested at higher levels than acceptable for contaminants and pledging cooperation with authorities.
Township Trustee Chuck Andrysiak said representatives from Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) already have shown up at his residence to begin testing and he expects results within the next three to five weeks.
The tests are the results of township officials learning last month that testing for two water wells yielded higher levels than the limit even parts per trillion for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances PFAs. All residences within a half mile of the old Watson-Martin dump on 115th Avenue just north of the Martin Motor Sports Park will undergo the tests.
The dump was closed in 1985, but records about what happened in its estimated 40 years of existence are sketchy.
Former Watson Clerk Cathy Pardee told the board, “For record keeping back then, everybody kept stuff in their houses in boxes and in barns. They didn’t even have file cabinets.”
Supervisor Kevin Travis said of the resolution, “It is essentially saying we are not going to be an obstacle (in the investigation).”
He said Watson and Martin did not have a formal contract for use of the facility, but it clear both municipalities used it. He said he wants to ask Martin Township for information about the dump’s past.
Meanwhile, Township Sexton Mark Simpson said there are private environmental companies telling residences they can provide service — for a price.
“They’re trying to panic you into doing something you don’t need to do,” he warned.
EGLE has sent out letters to homeowners who will have their wells tested.
In other business at the meeting, the Township Board:
- Learned from Allegan County Commissioner Gale Dugan about the possiblility the county will add a road patrol officer, a detective and assistant prosecutor next year to public safety staff in the Sheriffs’ Department. A public hearing on the budget will be held at 7 p.m. at commissioners’ chambers in Allegan at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10.
- Was told by Travis everything went well in the Martin Board of Education meeting held last month at theTownship Hall.
“It’s a nice idea to bring the school to the community,” he said.
- Decided to seek bids for snowplowing services this winter.
- Approved renewal of a farming lease of just under 30 acres on M-222 for Allen Henderson at a cost of $997 annually.
