EGLE Director Roos statement on EPA Gelman Plume cleanup agreement

LANSING, Mich — Today, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Director Phil Roos released the following statement in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of its agreement with Gelman Sciences LLC to advance cleanup of the Gelman plume:

“Today’s announcement by the EPA of its agreement with Gelman Sciences is an important and welcome step toward advancing the long-term cleanup of the Gelman plume. EPA brings federal authorities and enforcement tools that go beyond what the state can require on its own, and we appreciate their leadership and the strong support of our federal partners in moving this work forward. EGLE has worked for years, alongside local leaders and with the backing of the Governor, to help position the site for this level of oversight, and we value the collaboration that brought us to this point. While this agreement strengthens the path ahead and we are optimistic about continued progress, we will remain vigilant until the job is done.”

Under the agreement, Gelman Sciences agrees to:

• Conduct a remedial investigation and feasibility study which will determine the nature and extent of the contamination and evaluate potential cleanup approaches.
• Excavate soils contaminated with 1,4-dioxane from the former burn pit area on Gelman’s property.
• Increase the groundwater extraction and treatment rates in the eastern groundwater plume to reduce the spread of groundwater contamination.
• Install additional groundwater monitoring wells to further define the easternmost extent of 1,4-dioxane groundwater contamination.
• Provide grant funding for community groups to hire an independent technical advisor to help interpret and explain technical reports, site conditions, and EPA’s proposed actions.

Background

• Gelman Sciences used 1,4‑dioxane in its manufacturing operations from the 1960s through the 1980s, resulting in a groundwater plume that extends through parts of Ann Arbor and Scio Township.
• EGLE has overseen cleanup activities under a long‑standing state consent judgment, including groundwater extraction, monitoring, and remedial actions.
• In 2021, the EGLE formally requested EPA’s evaluation of the site for potential addition to the National Priorities List. Governor Whitmer concurred in 2023, and EGLE reaffirmed the state’s support in 2025.
• EPA added the site to the NPL in March 2026 and today announced an agreement outlining enforceable steps for expanded investigation, soil excavation, plume control, and community technical support under EPA oversight.