File photo The Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center

Environment officials hope to learn if dangerous chemicals have made their way to surface water outside the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, the Michigan National Guard reported on Wednesday.

Water and sediment sampling near the CRTC, conducted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, will determine whether per-and-polyfluoroalkyl, or PFAS, compounds have concentrated in the Thunder Bay River and Lake Winyah or in soil next to airfield property that may have had stormwater runoff.

EGLE’s sampling team collected samples during the week of Aug. 30 and plans to collect a second round in April or May, during spring runoff. Officials will add the data to that obtained during a 2018 inspection at the base.

The public may view data gathered in the study on the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team website at michigan.gov/pfasresponse under the “investigations” tab.