MDEQ Generic Cleanup Criteria Tables Updated to Reflect GSI Changes

The MDEQ published updates on June 25th to the Generic Cleanup Criteria Tables to reflect recent changes to the GSI (Groundwater-Surface Water) Criteria.   The GSI tables are based upon the water quality standards developed under Michigan Part 31, Rule 57 of  (Water Resources of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act).  Water quality standards were updated in March 2018, which served as a precursor to the GSI Criteria table updates.

The list of hazardous substances with updates to the Generic GSI Criteria and associated soil protective includes the following 11 compounds:

• Acetonitrile
• Aniline
• Bis(2-Ethylhexyl)phthalate
• Bromomethane
• Carbon Tetrachloride
• 1,4-Dioxane
• Formaldehyde
• Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
• Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS)
• Phenanthrene
• Xylenes

Because of Michigan’s complex hydrogeology, the GSI pathway is a crucial element in the state’s environmental cleanup program. If a GSI pathway is determined to be relevant for a site, the GSI tables are used for comparison to contaminant concentrations to indicate whether the concentrations exceed state water quality standards.

Merit Laboratories provides analytical laboratory testing to assist environmental consulting firms on groundwater and soil evaluations for comparison to GSI criteria.  Please contact Merit for assistance with your next project.