PFAS Solutions and Resource Fair in Cadillac: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Event Overview and Objectives

On Friday, community members convened at Cadillac City Park for the PFAS Solutions and Resource Fair, an initiative focused on addressing PFAS contamination in the Cadillac area. The event was organized by Cadillac Advocates for Clean Water in partnership with the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network and the Cadillac Farmers Market. This gathering aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, by promoting access to safe and affordable drinking water.

Collaboration and Participation

The fair united over two dozen agencies, experts, and vendors, including:

• Government agencies such as the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team
• Health authorities including District Health Department No. 10
• Academic institutions like MSU Extension
• Local government representatives from the city of Cadillac and Haring Township
• Community organizations such as the Cadillac Lions Club and the Local Development Finance Authority
• PFAS remediation companies and water testing laboratories

These collaborations support SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve sustainable water management solutions.

Resources and Services Provided

1. Distribution of over 100 free PFAS water testing kits, enabling residents to monitor water quality and promote health awareness (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being).
2. Information dissemination on PFAS contamination and remediation technologies.
3. Demonstrations of pilot remediation programs currently under exploration in local municipalities.

Community Engagement and Activities

The event featured a variety of activities designed to engage the community and promote environmental stewardship, including:

• A water blessing ceremony led by Michelle Trivieri, emphasizing respect for natural resources.
• Live musical performances by Ellie Griggs and Bill Barnett, fostering community cohesion.
• Children’s games and healing booths offering services such as Reiki and henna tattoos, promoting well-being and cultural inclusion.
• A food truck lineup providing diverse culinary options, supporting local businesses and sustainable consumption (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production).

Future Vision and Impact

Organizers, including Mary Galvanek of Cadillac Advocates for Clean Water, expressed aspirations to establish the PFAS Solutions and Resource Fair as an annual event integrated with the Cadillac Farmers Market. The fair aims to serve as a replicable model for other Michigan communities, advancing regional efforts toward clean water solutions and environmental sustainability.

Galvanek emphasized the fair’s role in positioning Cadillac as a leader in water quality and environmental health, directly contributing to SDG 6 and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Conclusion

The PFAS Solutions and Resource Fair successfully combined awareness-raising with practical solutions, connecting residents to vital tools, technologies, and organizations dedicated to long-term remediation of PFAS contamination. This initiative exemplifies a community-driven approach to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring healthier environments and improved quality of life for current and future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The article focuses on addressing PFAS contamination in water, promoting clean water solutions, and providing free water testing kits to the community.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – By addressing PFAS contamination, which poses health risks, and involving health officials, the event supports health and well-being.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The event showcases collaboration among multiple agencies, organizations, and community groups to tackle environmental and health challenges.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 6 Targets:
   • 6.1 – Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • 6.3 – Improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals.
   • 6.a – Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water and sanitation-related activities.
2. SDG 3 Targets:
   • 3.9 – Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
3. SDG 17 Targets:
   • 17.17 – Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 6.1 and 6.3:
   • Number or percentage of water sources tested for PFAS contamination.
   • Availability and distribution of free water testing kits to residents.
   • Reduction in PFAS levels in local water bodies over time.
2. Indicator for SDG 3.9:
   • Incidence rates of illnesses related to PFAS exposure in the community.
   • Number of public health advisories or interventions related to PFAS contamination.
3. Indicator for SDG 17.17:
   • Number of partnerships and collaborations formed among agencies, experts, and community groups.
   • Frequency and scale of community events promoting clean water solutions.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cadillacnews.com