February 21, 2007

The Department of Environmental Quality will spend $2,000,000 to extend the Mancelona Area Water and Sewer Authority's municipal water system to connect additional residences to the system as part of an effort to alleviate health concerns over area groundwater wells.

The historical release of trichloroethylene (TCE) from plating operations and the manufacture of automotive parts in the village of Mancelona has caused groundwater contamination that extends six miles beyond the village to the Schuss Mountain/Shanty Creek Resort and the Cedar River.

The DEQ previously provided $9.7 million to install the existing municipal water system to service the area west of Mancelona and to investigate the extent of contamination. Recent investigations have revealed groundwater contamination outside of the existing water service area to the northwest and to the east.

"Though our funding for these types of projects continues to diminish, this is a site where action needs to be taken to protect the public health," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "We will continue our efforts to ensure Michigan's families have access to safe, clean drinking water."

MAWSA worked closely with the DEQ throughout to help secure a safe drinking water source for area residents, and the local Antrim Coalition United Through Ecology (ACUTE) group was also actively involved in the DEQ's investigation of the TCE plume and discussions of proposed remedies.

Funding for this project comes from the Clean Michigan Initiative (CMI) bond passed by voters in 1998. The DEQ expects additional funds will be required to continue investigating the extent of the contamination and potentially extend the public water supply further, however very little CMI funding remains and could limit future actions by the DEQ to assist the community.

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"