Michigan Groups Urge Governor to Push EPA for Microplastics Monitoring

In a plea to address the growing concern of microplastics in drinking water, environmental groups in Michigan have urged Governor Gretchen Whitmer to support a national initiative. The call to action is part of a larger movement to engage the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in establishing monitoring protocols for microplastics across the United States.

Leading this charge is Tami Renkoski, a retired industrial hygienist and cofounder of the Michigan Microplastics Coalition. Her organization aims to gather the support of seven governors nationwide to propel the EPA into action. Renkoski believes Whitmer is particularly suited to champion this cause due to her environmental track record and her duty to safeguard the Great Lakes.

Currently, Michigan lacks legislation that mandates the monitoring of microplastics in drinking water. However, the state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has initiated some monitoring efforts for both surface and drinking waters. Legislative attempts to address this issue are ongoing, as mentioned in recent discussions.

Renkoski argues for federal intervention, stating, “It would be more cost effective and consistent if we had help from the federal government.” She emphasizes the need for standardized sampling methods to better understand the extent of the microplastics problem. “You can’t manage a problem, unless you know the extent of the problem,” she noted, highlighting the current gap in research acknowledged by major scientific bodies regarding the health impacts of microplastics.

As microplastics emerge as significant contaminants, Renkoski points to everyday sources such as laundry fibers and tire dust as contributors to the pollution of water supplies. These particles make their way through wastewater treatment plants and into rivers, streams, and ultimately, drinking water. The pervasive nature of microplastics is alarming, with Renkoski commenting, “We’re getting it from all different sources. In the food we eat, in the air we breathe.”

To mitigate exposure, she advises against using plastic water bottles and microwaving food in plastic containers. The Michigan Microplastics Coalition, along with other organizations, hopes that Governor Whitmer’s endorsement of the petition will pave the way for federal monitoring regulations to curb this environmental threat.