June 21, 2006

In February 2007, the Department of Environmental Quality will assume the responsibility for the operation and maintenance of a soil vapor extraction treatment system located at the former Grand Traverse Overall Supply site in Greilickville. The treatment system, which began operation in February 2006, was installed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to prevent hazardous vapors from entering the neighboring Norris Elementary School.

Historic dry cleaning operations at the site caused groundwater contamination that currently flows under the school and toward the Grand Traverse Bay. Contaminants were detected in water supply wells for the school and ten other properties, causing deeper wells to be constructed in order to provide safe drinking water for students and nearby residents.

The DEQ has authorized $200,000 to operate the system and monitor the groundwater for one year. Pending the availability of funds, the state plans to continue operating the system until risks to the public are abated. The U.S. EPA also plans to address contaminated soil under the on-site building, which may reduce the time needed to operate the treatment system.

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 June 21, 2006 by Pat Watson