August 1, 2005

The Department of Environmental Quality has authorized an additional $200,000 to supplement a prior authorization of $925,000 in order to address contamination at the former Belgravia Factory in South Haven.

Through 1979, the Hamlin-Overton Company, subsequently Belgravia, improperly disposed of plating and solvent wastes before the company’s dissolution through bankruptcy. The factory building was sold in 1997 and subsequently converted into condominiums and a health club. The city of South Haven received a DEQ Site Reclamation grant to dispose of the septic tank and contaminated soil, and to install a sub-floor ventilation system and vapor barrier to protect occupants and the public from exposure to the contaminants.

Current investigations have identified substantial quantities of trichloroethylene (TCE) product in the groundwater and soil at the property. Dissolved TCE has also been identified in the basement sump water of two nearby residences, a result of groundwater migration from the facility.

In order to significantly reduce risks to public health and the environment, the DEQ will use the additional funding to install ventilation systems in the adjacent residences, a recovery system to capture the TCE, and a groundwater treatment system. Monitoring of indoor air will also continue at the condominium, health club, and residences.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised August 1, 2005 by Pat Watson