January 5, 2006

The Department of Environmental Quality has reached a settlement with The Dow Chemical Company resulting from violations of the Midland facility’s hazardous waste operating license. The consent order signed by the two parties resolves Dow’s use of a waste classification system that did not comply with Michigan’s hazardous waste regulations or the operating license, and settles allegations that Dow failed to report environmental monitoring data to the DEQ related to the investigation of off-site contamination.

“The consent order resolves this situation and allows DEQ and Dow to focus our joint efforts on the ongoing remedial efforts,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester.

Dow has agreed to pay $69,998 in civil fines to settle the allegations, $7,000 to the state for partial reimbursement of the costs of investigation and enforcement, and will submit a report detailing the steps taken to remedy the violations.

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 January 5, 2006 by Pat Watson