Kalamazoo River

Ever wonder where Kalamazoo got it's name?

Officers learned Monday night that a woman had just driven her vehicle into the Kalamazoo River, with her two children inside.

While the cause of these high levels isn’t yet confirmed, DEQ spokespeople say that there is a “correlation” between the PFOS and the use of firefighting foams at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base.

At the meeting, environmental and health officials said that further testing was being conducted on residential water wells near the base, after two homes north of the base were found to have PFAS levels above the EPA health advisory level.

After the City of Kalamazoo tested their wastewater system, they determined that upwards of four times the state standard for certain types of PFAS were being discharged into the Kalamazoo River.

The city was called Singapore which was located off the Kalamazoo River and was once a thriving lumber town.

Emmett Township Fire Water Rescue were called Sunday prior to 8 p.m. to Historic Bridge Park in Calhoun County to rescue 5 individuals in the Kalamazoo River said to be clinging to tree branches, one with a head injury.

The 2018 regional Eat Safe Fish Guides were released May 1 by the MDHHS. The guide says that from the Morrow Dam in Kalamazoo County to the Allegan Dam in Allegan County, every fish caught in the Kalamazoo River is listed as "Do Not Eat" due to PCBs in the fish. According to the MDHHS, eating even one meal of Bluegill, Carp, Rock Bass or any other fish from parts of the Kalamazoo River could result in health problems.

A popular boat launch into the Kalamazoo River near downtown Kalamazoo has been closed temporarily.

Floodwaters have finally receded in most of Southwest Michigan, but it’s now cleanup time. Many streets in Kalamazoo could have debris on them, and many homes and businesses also need to be assessed for damage.