July 31, 2006

The Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Attorney General have reached a settlement with Diamond Chrome Plating Company that resolves a lawsuit filed against the company on October 22, 2003, alleging air, waste, and water violations at Diamond Chrome’s facility in Howell.

The settlement provides for response activities to eliminate discharges of hexavalent chromium to the Shiawassee River watershed. Chromium entered Diamond Chrome’s storm water collection system from its hazardous waste storage areas and from releases of chromic acid from the company’s air pollution control equipment.

“This settlement provides for full remediation of the site by Diamond Chrome,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “Michigan’s residents will benefit from a cleaner environment, and Diamond Chrome will maintain their ability to operate their business and contribute to the local economy.”

Diamond Chrome has already taken steps to prevent approximately 1300 feet of storm sewers from leaking, and additional response activities will be performed pursuant to the settlement to comprehensively investigate and remediate soil and groundwater contamination caused by the company’s operations. Diamond Chrome has also agreed to properly manage hazardous waste generated at its facility, properly operate its air pollution control equipment, and pay $287,000 in settlement of the DEQ’s claims for civil fines and costs of investigation and enforcement.

"Protecting Michigan's groundwater and surface waters from contamination is critical to the safety of our citizens and our environment," said Attorney General Mike Cox. "We will continue to protect Michigan's waters from any source of harm."

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 July 31, 2006 by Pat Watson