August 31, 2005

The Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Attorney General entered a Consent Judgment today with Dixie Cut Stone and Marble, Inc., and Dixie Cut Stone Realty, Inc. (collectively, Dixie) to resolve violations of Part 31, Water Resources Protection; Part 111, Hazardous Waste Management; and Part 115, Solid Waste Management; of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA), at Dixie’s processing plants in Bridgeport.

On December 12, 2002, the DEQ performed an inspection of the Dixie facilities and observed an un-permitted discharge of wastewater containing a mixture of water, form oil, and dyes used in the manufacture of concrete landscaping blocks. The discharge, which the DEQ discovered has been occurring since 1994, was being released onto the ground and to a detention basin with an outfall to a tributary of the Cass River.

“Companies must be aware of the potential environmental risks that exist at their facilities and take adequate measures to prevent them,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “The Consent Judgment will ensure that Dixie Cut Stone is in compliance with, and remains in compliance with, Michigan’s environmental laws.”

“The settlement reached in this matter will assure that Dixie operates its plants within the parameters of Michigan law,” said Attorney General Mike Cox.

Samples of the wastewater collected by the DEQ revealed that the wastewater contained metals, volatile organic compounds, suspended solids, and dissolved solids. Dixie stopped discharging to the detention basin immediately after the inspection.

The DEQ also noted several piles of solid wastes stockpiled at the facilities in violation of Part 115 of the NREPA, and determined that Dixie was discharging storm water without a storm water discharge permit.

The Consent Judgment prohibits Dixie from discharging from the detention basin and requires that Dixie obtain permits for any future discharges from the properties. Dixie must also comply with its recently issued storm water discharge permit; properly characterize and manage hazardous wastes; properly reuse, manage, or dispose of solid wastes; and perform response activities for identified soil and groundwater contamination. Dixie has agreed to pay a civil fine in the amount of $230,000 and costs for surveillance and enforcement in the amount of $6,500. Dixie will also pay future response activity costs incurred by the DEQ.

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 31, 2005 by Pat Watson