September 7, 2006

The Department of Environmental Quality has obtained federal funding to remove lead contaminated soils at homes located near the former Commodity Metals lead smelting facility in Hamtramck. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will fund and conduct the cleanup in two stages, beginning with $2 million to address 35 properties this fall, and continuing with additional funds through spring 2007, for any remaining homes in the area identified by the DEQ now and through next winter.

As part of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm’s ongoing childhood lead poisoning prevention initiative, the DEQ has been investigating former lead smelting sites in Wayne County to identify lead contamination in residential areas. The historic Commodity Metals smelter site, situated west of I-75 on Grand Haven and Caniff, was ultimately determined to be the source of lead contamination found in the Hamtramck neighborhood.

"We are fighting to eliminate childhood lead poisoning across Michigan," noted Governor Granholm. "These cleanup actions will help ensure that children and families are not at risk."

Approximately 40 percent of the 187 DEQ-tested properties located downwind of the former smelter showed lead in the surface soils above the 400 parts per million level considered acceptable for residential properties. The lead concentrations and distribution are consistent with historical lead smelting activities and aerial deposits from a lead smelter.

No viable or liable parties from the former Commodity Metals facility have been identified to cover the cleanup costs, leading the DEQ and the EPA to work together with public funding to address the hazard.

“We appreciate EPA’s partnership in this effort to identify and address environmental sources of childhood lead poisoning,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “This collaboration allows us to share our knowledge and resources, and keep Michigan safe.”

For further information contact Mick Hans with the EPA’s Chicago Office, at 312-353-5050, or Edward Novak, with the DEQ Remediation and Redevelopment Division, Southeast Michigan District Office, at 586-753-3827.

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 September 7, 2006 by Pat Watson