Browsers that can not handle javascript will not be able to access some features of this site.
Skip Navigation
Department of Environmental QualityMichigan.gov-Official Website for the Sta of Michigan
Michigan.gov Home DEQ_Home | Online_Services | Permits  | Programs | Site_Map | Contact_DEQ
Printer Friendly Version Printer Friendly   Text Only Version Text Version Email this page Email Page
Settlement Reached with BASF on Riverview Site

Contact:  Robert McCann (517) 241-7397
Agency: Environmental Quality


August 11, 2006

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester and Attorney General Mike Cox announced today that a settlement has been reached with BASF Corporation concerning the cleanup of environmental contamination at the company’s site located adjacent to the Detroit River in Riverview.

The settlement agreement was approved by the Ingham County Circuit Court on August 9, 2006, and resolves the historical disposition of chemical and industrial wastes at the site that date back to the previous owner, Wyandotte Chemical. The contamination has since discharged to the groundwater and the Detroit River.

“BASF has stepped up and agreed to resolve this historical problem through a thorough cleanup of this site that will protect the health of the community and its residents,” said Director Chester. “We have come a long way in restoring the quality of the Detroit River, and today we are ensuring that trend continues.”

Under the terms of the settlement, BASF will construct a containment system around the entire property to contain the wastes on-site and stop the flow of contaminated groundwater to the river. The company will also remove contaminated sediments in the river located adjacent to the property and in the area of the city of Riverview boat launch, and will conduct additional investigations to determine if contamination from the site has impacted adjacent upland areas.

"It is important that those responsible for environmental contamination be held responsible and correct the problems caused," said Cox. "This settlement will help improve the water quality of the Detroit River."

BASF will reimburse the state’s past and future response activity costs associated with the site. Sediment removal and construction of the containment system is expected to start this fall.

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 11, 2006 by Pat Watson

Link to Department and Agencies Web Site Index
Link to Statewide Online Services Index
Link to Statewide Web-based Surveys
Link to RSS feeds available on this site
Related Content
 •  Michigan Wastewater Treatment Plants Recognized for Water Quality Achievements
 •  Revolving Fund Loan Commitments Announced
 •  Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool Introduction
 •  Sharps Disposal Regulations in Michigan
 •  Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative Presentation
 •  Information Session Regarding Wolverine Coal-Fired Power Plant Proposed Air Permit
 •  Scrap Tire Market Development Grant Program Funding Applications Available
 •  DEQ and Village of Howard City Reach Settlement Agreement over Water Quality Violation
 •  DEQ Assists Lansing Redevelopment Efforts
 •  DEQ Encourages Alternatives to Leaf Burning
 •  Settlement Reached with Village of Dexter
 •  Scrap Tire Cleanup Grant Program Funding Applications Available
 •  Green Chemistry Action Plan Released
 •  Green Michigan Healthcare Conference
 •  Permit Issued to Livingston County Housing Community
 •  Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative Presentation
 •  Wayne County Dry Cleaner "Goes Green" with Environmental Loan from DEQ
 •  Permits Approved for Nestle Waters Supply Well
 •  Applications Sought for $5.2 Million in Water Quality Improvements Grants
 •  Lawsuit Filed to Protect Water Quality in Willow Creek

Michigan.gov Home | DEQ_Home | Online Services | Permits | Programs | Site Map | Contact_DEQ
State Web Sites | Privacy Policy | Link Policy | Accessibility Policy | Security Policy | Michigan News | Michigan.gov Survey

Copyright © 2001-2008 State of Michigan