With FLOW’s legal help, a community group called the Chemours Environmental Impact Committee (CEIC – pronounced seek) of White River Township, in Muskegon County, Michigan, has petitioned the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for a more active role in negotiations around cleaning up the Chemours (a Dupont spin-off) industrial site in Muskegon County, Michigan. Made up of local residents who would like to enjoy Sadony Bayou and other nearby waterways if they weren’t contaminated, CEIC is concerned that a proposed agreement between the state and Chemours will not adequately address ongoing pollution in White Lake, Sadony Bayou, and surrounding areas.
History of Contamination:
The former Dupont Montague Works, now owned by Chemours, has a long history of discharging harmful chemicals into the environment. These chemicals, including carcinogens like trichloroethylene, have contaminated groundwater, soil, and nearby waterways. Despite some remediation efforts, the pollution persists.
Community Concerns:
CEIC members are worried that the proposed cleanup plan won’t fully address the problem. They believe it focuses on limiting exposure to contamination rather than removing the source of the pollution. This, they argue, violates the Michigan Environmental Protection Act (MEPA).
CEIC wants a comprehensive cleanup that includes:
- Removing all sources of contamination, including landfills and lime sludge deposits.
- Testing and cleaning up contaminated areas like Mirror Lake, Pierson Creek, and Sadony Bayou.
- Protecting the White Lake shoreline.
- Ensuring the pipeline to Lake Michigan is free of leaks.
- Permanently conserving parts of the property for public use.
Taking Action:
CEIC has filed a petition to intervene in the administrative proceedings related to the cleanup plan. They hope to participate in the process and ensure that the final agreement protects the environment and public health.
What You Can Do:
- Learn more about CEIC and FLOW’s work, and the history of the Chemours site.
- Contact your local representatives and urge them to support a comprehensive cleanup of the Chemours site.
- Learn about and get involved in protecting your community’s water resources.
Remember:
- Contaminated water can pose serious health risks.
- Everyone has a right to clean water and a healthy environment.
- By working together, we can make a difference.
