October 13, 2004

A plan to help inform area residents of the risks of dioxin contamination in Midland and the Tittabawassee floodplain has been approved by the Department of Environmental Quality.

The communications plan will be implemented by Dow Chemical Company to keep residents informed of actions the company is taking to address the dioxin contamination, and to help make citizens more aware of steps they can take to reduce their risk of potential exposure to the toxic substance.

The Communications Interim Response Activity Work Plan will provide general information on dioxins and furans to the public and inform them of steps they can take to reduce exposure. The plan further directs Dow to develop public relations materials, as well as establish and maintain information centers at various locations in Midland and the surrounding Tittabawassee floodplain area. Dow will also pay to have advisory signs placed at parks and other high-use public facilities along the river.

Dioxin and furans are unwanted by-products of incineration, uncontrolled burning, and certain industrial processes. The term “dioxin” refers to a large family of compounds that vary in the level of toxicity.

Under Dow’s operating license with the state, the Communications IRA is part of the corrective action it must take to address the dioxin contamination in the region. The DEQ made several modifications to the work plan to be consistent with the operating license, which DEQ Director Steven E. Chester said is a step in the right direction.

“This plan will help the citizens of Midland and other regional communities stay informed about dioxins, and learn what they can do to reduce any potential exposure to themselves and their families,” said Chester. “This is a positive step forward in efforts to address the issue, and keep the community healthy.”

The IRA takes immediate effect and includes a timetable for implementation of its various steps. The plan and cover letter can be viewed on the DEQ’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/deqdioxin then click on “Dow Off-site Corrective Action,” and scroll down to “Approved Interim Response Activities (IRA) Under SOWs.”

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

Revised October 13, 2004 by Pat Watson