After tests found toxic chemicals in both Versluis Lake and Freska Lake in Kent County, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued updated fish consumption guidelines.
Multiple species in both lakes tested positive for per-and-poly floral-alkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS as well as mercury. Consumption of PFAS has been linked to a number of cancers including Thyrod and Liver Cancer.
The Department of Health and Human Services has not deemed the fish completely unsafe to eat. In Freska Lake, the state recommends not exceeding two servings of Bluegills, Sunfish or Bass smaller than 18 inches.
For Versluis Lake, the state recommends not exceeding more than two servings of Northern Pike smaller than 30 inches as well as no more than one serving longer than 30 inches.
The two lakes are located near a number of homes whose drinking water supply has also tested positive for PFAS.
It’s believed that waste sludge from a tannery owned by Wolverine Worldwide that was both legally and illegally dumped in the area back in the 1960’s is to blame for the contamination. The company is facing over a 100 lawsuits that have already been filed.
