Welcome to the electronic newsletter from Grand Haven Charter Township! Stay informed on what is happening in the township. This newsletter will deliver up-to-date information including upcoming meetings, development news, township services and more! You can always find more information on our website or Facebook .

PFAS Test Results

Except for the original testing that showed extremely low levels of PFAS chemicals – which is believed to be the result of a sampling error – the Northwest Ottawa Water System (NOWS) water continues to test “ Non-Detect ” for a wide range of PFAS chemicals. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other chemicals. PFAS have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries since the 1940s. PFOA and PFOS have been the most extensively produced and studied of these chemicals. These chemicals are very persistent in the environment and in the human body – meaning they don’t break down and they can accumulate over time.   There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects.

Sewer Authority - Construction Update

The Sewer Authority is in the midst of a $13.5 million maintenance/renovation project.  $4.2 million of this project is directed at replacing the existing “Headworks and Pumping” building. Below are a few photos of this construction:

Fall Leaf Drop-Off

With temperatures falling, the leaves will not be too far behind. The dates for the Fall 2019 Leaf-Dropoff program will be from Monday, October 21 st through Sunday, November 24 th .

Recreation Survey

Grand Haven Charter Township is working with four other nearby municipalities on a regional Parks & Recreation Plan survey. The Frost Research Center from Hope College is conducting the survey, and calls are expected to begin this week. The surveys will come in the form of phone calls and emails. It is important to note that phone surveys are becoming more difficult because of all the robo-calls. Fortunately, Frost Research Center has two (2) methods to curb this problem. First, their phone number has caller ID identifying themselves. Second, if the call is unanswered, they will leave a message identifying themselves and the purpose for the call, providing an approximate day/time they will try and call back, and offer for the respondent to call the surveyor back at a more convenient time. Please, if you are contacted by the Frost Research Center, take the few minutes to complete the phone survey.

Schmidt Heritage Park

The Township has closed on the Schmidt Heritage Park property, immediately south of Hofma Park.  The Parks and Recreation Committee is in the process of defining Phase One of the development of this park property.  Further, a black chain link fence will be constructed around the red historic barn, which is intended to be donated to the Township at a future date.

Prescribed Burn

A “prescribed burn” is a wildfire set intentionally for purposes of forest management. Ottawa County Parks plans to conduct a prescribed burn in the Hiawatha Forest area – north of Fillmore and east of 168 th Avenue this fall.  The burn is intended to promote habitat for wildlife – especially wild turkeys .  A “Burn Plan” for this event has been reviewed by Grand Haven Fire/Rescue Chief Gerencer.

Pathway Construction Update The leveling course of asphalt has been completed on both 144th Avenue and Lincoln Street for the new pathway. Further, most of the boardwalks and retaining walls are complete. Below are a few recent photos of this construction project.

Fire/Rescue Open House The annual Fire/Rescue Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8 th . It starts at 5:30 p.m. and goes until 8:00 p.m. The Open House will have food, snacks, and numerous safety displays and activities from the Fire/Rescue Department, Coast Guard, Sheriff’s Department, Utility companies, and the North Ottawa Community Health System.

(616) 842-5988   | info@ght.org | www.ght.org

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