Washtenaw County Should Not Gamble on GFL

A landfill operator with a history of violations is asking for another chance—and Washtenaw County should say no.

Since 2023, independent testing by The Conservancy Initiative has repeatedly found PFOS contamination in stormwater flowing from Arbor Hills into a Johnson Creek tributary. EGLE cited the landfill for this issue back in 2021, yet the problem persists.

Figure 1 - PFOS Concentration consistently exceeds the water quality standard (12 ng/L).

In 2025, Green for Life (GFL) claimed it was in compliance and asked The Conservancy Initiative to stop sharing our data. But when EGLE asked for proof, GFL admitted it had none.

No data. No accountability. Ongoing contamination.

Now GFL wants approval to build a new landfill in Salem Township—a decision that would impact the community for decades.

Washtenaw County should not gamble on promises. GFL has not earned the public’s trust, and it should not be entrusted with another landfill.