Sturgis Municipal Wells

Overview

The Sturgis Municipal Wells site sits in Sturgis, Michigan, and has been on the EPA's National Priorities List (NPL) since 1984. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE), were discovered in the city's groundwater and soil in 1982. Two nearby industrial properties, the Kirsch Company Plant No. 1 and the former Wade Electric Property, were identified as likely sources of the contamination.

EPA identified 15 contaminants of concern across groundwater and soil. Groundwater contaminants include TCE, PCE, vinyl chloride, benzene, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, bromodichloromethane, and cyanide. Soil contaminants include TCE, PCE, vinyl chloride, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). EPA assessed these contaminants by evaluating who or what could be exposed, how much contamination is present, and what health or ecological effects could result.

A cleanup plan was first issued in 1991 and updated in 1996. Remedial action began in May 1993 and physical construction wrapped up in September 1997. The cleanup uses soil vapor extraction, air sparge systems, pump-and-treat systems for groundwater, and long-term monitoring. Responsible parties also installed sub-slab depressurization systems (SSDS) at residential properties near the Kirsch source area and at a grocery store at the Wade Electric property to address vapor intrusion risk. Operation and maintenance activities remain ongoing under EPA oversight.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) completed its sixth five-year review on June 26, 2025. The review found that the current remedy protects human health and the environment, with no known unacceptable human exposure pathways and contaminated groundwater stabilized in its original area. The site is not yet cleared for unrestricted use sitewide, meaning some cleanup goals or land-use controls still need to be fully addressed. A Record of Decision Amendment for the groundwater and source control unit is estimated between September and November 2028. Planned next steps include a new Institutional Control Implementation and Assurance Plan, possible city groundwater ordinance discussions, additional data collection near Wade Electric, a vapor intrusion decision document, and groundwater sampling for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in shallow and deep aquifers.

Community members can contact the EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator or Remedial Project Manager. State-level questions can be directed to EGLE.