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Rockford Tannery (Rockford, Kent County)

Rockford Tannery (Rockford, Kent County)

Disclaimer: Web content may not be routinely updated on this page.

Please contact the Site Lead for the most up-to-date status of this site.

EGLE site lead

Leah Gies, GiesL1@Michigan.gov or 616-215-4781.

Background

The former Wolverine World Wide (Wolverine) tannery is located on the east bank of the Rogue River at the confluence of Rum Creek, in downtown Rockford.  The tannery operated for over a hundred years before operations ceased in 2009. The tannery was demolished in 2010 and 2011. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) are coordinating their investigation of the tannery pollution found in the Rockford area. 

On February 19, 2020, the Consent Decree between the State of Michigan (Plaintiff), Plainfield and Algoma Townships (Intervening Plaintiffs) and Wolverine (Defendant) became effective and serves as the framework for future PFAS response activities performed by Wolverine at the Tannery property and surrounding area identified as the “North Kent Study Area”.  Wolverine will conduct these activities under EGLE oversight, and the Consent Decree includes tools that ensure that the required work is completed.

Content updated May 2025.

Preview of the interactive north kent study data area summary map
Preview of the interactive north kent study data area summary map

North Kent study area data summary web map

This map displays environmental sampling data that has been collected as part of Wolverine World Wide’s and EGLE’s PFAS assessment activities in the North Kent Study Area.

The data includes well, surface water, groundwater, and soil sampling results, as well as groundwater contours, parcels boundaries, and the extent of the municipal water hookups that were required under the 2020 Consent Decree.


Launch the interactive map

Launch web map

View the interactive map to explore the north kent study area data summary map

Access data

The data used in this table is available to download and to view as a table

Maps and data portal

Find all of EGLE's web maps and open data centralized in one location

Community engagement

The Wolverine Community Advisory Group (CAG) generally meets the third Thursday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Information regarding upcoming virtual meetings can be found at WolverineCAG.org.

Drinking water information

  • The area surrounding the tannery in downtown Rockford is serviced by municipal water provided by the City of Rockford.

Anticipated activities

  • Wolverine is implementing the work outlined in the February 19, 2020, Consent Decree. Response Activities required to be conducted at the Tannery property can be found in Section 7.7 of the Consent Decree.
    • The Final Revised Tannery Interceptor System Response Activity Plan was submitted to EGLE on September 20, 2023.
    • In 2024, Wolverine began implementation of the Final Revised Tannery Interceptor System Response Activity Plan, including the installation of nine groundwater interceptor trenches and six extraction wells along the Rogue River and Rum Creek.
    • On March 19, 2025, the groundwater interceptor system began operation. Groundwater from the trenches and extraction wells is treated in an on-site intermediate water treatment system, consisting primarily of granular activated carbon (GAC), which removes the PFAS to levels below EGLE’s groundwater-surface water interface (GSI) criteria. The treated water is then discharged to the Rogue River under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
      Capturing and treating groundwater at the tannery site represents a major project milestone. Wolverine has two years from the start of treatment to collect performance monitoring data in order to demonstrate that they are not discharging groundwater to the Rogue River or Rum Creek above EGLE’s GSI criteria. Performance monitoring data is submitted to EGLE monthly. Data from the entirety of the performance monitoring period will be summarized in a Completion Report that is due in September 2027 and is subject to EGLE approval. The Completion Report must include a long-term operation and maintenance plan that provides for continued operation and maintenance of the interceptor system.
  • For work required under the February 19, 2020, Consent Decree related to the House Street Disposal Site and the Wolven-Jewell source area investigations, visit Michigan.gov/Belmont. 

Historical timeline

    • The tannery was demolished in 2010 and 2011. During and subsequent to the demolition, EGLE received complaints from a citizen group alleging several violations of the state environmental statute including nuisance air emissions, storm water violations, hazardous substance releases, solid waste violations, and violations of water quality rules.
    • In response to the allegations from the citizen group beginning in June 2010, EGLE staff from the Waste Management and Radiological Protection Division, Water Resources Division, Air Quality Division, Remediation and Redevelopment Division, and the Office of Criminal Investigations took numerous calls, met with representatives of the citizen group, conducted site inspections and followed up with representatives of Wolverine.  EGLE was unable to find substantive violations at that time.
    • In June 2011, the citizen's group petitioned the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) to perform a preliminary assessment (PA) of the site.  The PA was completed in June 2012 and the USEPA referred the site to EGLE for further investigation. 
    • Wolverine conducted a post-demolition environmental investigation of soils and groundwater in 2011.
    • Soil, groundwater and sediment samples were collected at the Tannery Site by Wolverine and by EGLE's Superfund Section and were analyzed for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs), metals, ammonia, nitrites, chloride, phosphorous, sulfate, sulfide and/or cyanide.  VOCs, SVOCs, metals, ammonia and cyanide were detected above criteria and/or sediment screening levels.
    • Wolverine conducted additional investigations in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016 to better define the extent of contamination.  Buried hides and leather scraps were discovered during these investigations.
    • In the Fall 2016, the citizens group shared with Wolverine that a fish advisory had been issued for the Rogue River for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and that Wolverine may have used products in their leather processing that contained these compounds.  
    • Wolverine sampled groundwater and surface water for PFAS in Summer and Fall 2017.  PFOA and PFOS were detected in the groundwater and surface water at up to 490,000 ppt and 12 ppt respectively.   Total tested PFAS concentrations detected in groundwater were up to 532,399 ppt.
    • December 2017 Wolverine conducted additional on-site investigation work and submitted a work plan for an off-site investigation.
    • January 2018, EGLE filed a legal complaint against Wolverine under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and state law, including Part 201 (Environmental Remediation) in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan.  In the complaint, the state seeks orders that Wolverine institute protective measures to mitigate risks to public health, continue environmental investigations, address PFAS contamination in ground and surface water and pay for the state's past and future costs associated with enforcement of state clean up laws. 
    • January 2018, the USEPA issued a Unilateral Administrative Order (UAO) against Wolverine to conduct further assessment of non-PFAS contamination and potential cleanup work at its former tannery and at the House Street Disposal locations.
    • January - April 2018, Wolverine installed additional on-site monitoring wells at the Tannery Site, collected groundwater samples, and collected surface water samples from the Rogue River. This sampling data was provided to EGLE in June 2018.
    • June 2018, The Kent County Health Department and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a health advisory warning people to avoid consuming the floating foam on top of the water of the Rogue River due to high PFAS levels.  This was issued based on results from foam samples collected by EGLE.
    • May 2018, EGLE requested Wolverine analyze for PFAS at all sampling locations being completed under the USEPA UAO. This sampling was conducted in Summer and Fall 2018.
    • June 29, 2018, Wolverine submitted a workplan for off-site PFAS groundwater investigation at the Tannery Site. EGLE provided comments back to Wolverine on this sampling plan in August 2018.
    • Early November 2018, Wolverine completed all sampling for the USEPA UAO, including the PFAS sampling for EGLE.
    • November and December 2018, Wolverine installed five new off-site monitoring wells as part of their PFAS investigation for EGLE.  An additional monitoring well location on the west side of the Rogue River will be installed once access is finalized.   
    • A status update factsheet was released by the USEPA and EGLE in late November 2018 providing residents an update on the investigation and announcing a January 2019 town hall meeting.
    • January 10, 2019, EGLE issued a press release announcing that due to the federal government shutdown, the joint USEPA and EGLE Wolverine Townhall meeting, originally scheduled for January 23, 2019, at the Rockford High School, was postponed until further notice. This meeting will be rescheduled.
    • January 11, 2019, Wolverine submitted the Final Tannery Summary Report to the USEPA.
    • On March 26, 2019, the USEPA and EGLE held a joint Town Hall at the Rockford High School Fine Arts Auditorium at 4100 Kroes Street NE, Rockford MI 49341. The Open House was from 6:00 - 6:30 pm, the Public Meeting from 6:30 - 8:00pm and time for questions held between 8:00 - 8:30pm. This meeting was originally scheduled for January 23, 2019, but was rescheduled due to the federal government shutdown.
    • In February 2019, GZA completed a round of groundwater monitoring well sampling and installed three groundwater extraction wells on the Tannery property associated with a groundwater capture and treatment system. The three extraction wells were developed the week of April 1, 2019 and a pump test was completed in May 2019.
    • Results from the summer/fall 2018 EGLE fish sampling activities completed in northern Kent county can be found on the MPART Fish PFOS Guidelines Page.  MDHHS releases Eat Safe Fish Guides annually in the Spring, and emergency advisories as needed. Fish across the state are tested for PFAS in addition to other chemicals such as mercury, as all fish have some amount of mercury. As new guidelines are set as a result of elevated levels of PFOS, Michigan is releasing those advisories outside of the annual Eat Safe Fish Guides update.
    • On April 29, 2019, the USEPA sent Wolverine a letter detailing the required time-critical cleanup CERLCA actions at the Tannery site. 
    • As requested by EGLE and USEPA, in May 2019 Wolverine began installing informational signs along the Rogue River, with informational kiosks installed in June and July 2019.
    • In August 2019, Wolverine completed their third-quarter of groundwater monitoring well sampling.
    • In August 2019, Wolverine obtained their permit from the North Kent Sewer Authority (NKSA) for NKSA to accept the treated groundwater from the proposed groundwater interceptor treatment system.
    • On August 15, 2019, the Wolverine Community Advisory Group (CAG) held their first public meeting at the Rockford Freshmen Center. EGLE presented at this meeting. 
    • On September 19, 2019, the Wolverine CAG held a public meeting at Plainfield Charter Township Hall.  EGLE participated in this meeting.
    • On October 17, 2019, the Wolverine CAG held a public meeting at Plainfield Charter Township Hall. EGLE participated in this meeting.
    • On November 21, 2019, the Wolverine CAG held a public meeting at Plainfield Township Hall.  EGLE and DHHS participated in this meeting.
    • On December 10, 2019, it was announced that a tentative agreement had been reached between the State, Plainfield & Algoma Townships, and Wolverine.
    • On December 19, 2019, the Wolverine CAG held a public meeting at Plainfield Township Hall. EGLE and DHHS participated in this meeting.
    • In December 2019, Wolverine completed the fourth-quarter groundwater sampling of environmental monitoring wells which we acceptable during the onsite construction activities. 
    • On February 3, 2020, the Michigan Attorney General announced the filing of a settlement document (consent decree) in the case against Wolverine Worldwide Inc.  A public comment period will be held until February 13, 2020, to allow the affected community an opportunity to review and comment on the proposal prior to finalizing the settlement terms in court.
    • Press Release: MI AG Nessel Announces PFAS Settlement for State, Plainfield & Algoma Townships with Wolverine Worldwide
    • On February 10, 2020, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and EGLE held a Consent Decree Public Comment Session at the Rockford High School Auditorium.
    • On February 19, 2020, the proposed Consent Decree between the State of Michigan (Plaintiff), Plainfield and Algoma Townships (Intervening Plaintiffs) and Wolverine (Defendant) was approved by U.S. District Court Judge Janet T. Neff of the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan. The Consent Decree became effective on February 19, 2020 and serves as the framework for all future response activities performed by Wolverine at the House Street property and surrounding area identified as the "North Kent Study Area".  Wolverine will conduct these activities under EGLE oversight, and the Consent Decree includes tools that ensure that the required work is completed.
    • On March 20, 2020, Wolverine submitted its "Tannery Interceptor System Conceptual Design" report as required under Section 7.7b(i) of the Consent Decree. This technical memorandum describes the goal, technical approach, and conceptual design for Wolverine's interim remedy which was in progress prior to the effective date of the Consent Decree.
    • On April 16, 2020, the Wolverine CAG held an online zoom meeting. EGLE and USEPA provided project updates during this virtual meeting.
    • On April 30, 2020, Wolverine submitted their 2020 First Quarter Progress Report as required under the Consent Decree.
    • Wolverine completed the USEPA time-critical actions at the Tannery which included removal of impacted soils and buried leather scraps on the site and along the Rogue River, and continued site restoration activities as set forth in the settlement agreement between USEPA and Wolverine found on USEPA’s website. On May 14, 2020, Wolverine's Former Tannery Restoration Plan was finalized for USEPA. 
    • On May 21, 2020, the Wolverine CAG held an online zoom meeting. EGLE, MDHHS, and Plainfield Township provided project updates during this virtual meeting.
    • On May 26, 2020, EGLE hosted an Online Public Meeting for Wolverine's Filter Operation and Maintenance Response Activity Plan from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.
    • On May 27, 2020, EGLE hosted an Online Public Meeting for Wolverine's Groundwater-Surface Water Interface (GSI) Response Activity Plan from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.
    • On June 18, 2020, the Wolverine CAG held an online zoom meeting. EGLE and MDHHS provided project updates during this virtual meeting.
    • On June 23, 2020, EGLE hosted an Online Public Meeting for Wolverine's Residential Well Resampling Response Activity Plan from 6:00 to 7:00PM.
    • On July 16, 2020, the Wolverine CAG held an online zoom meeting. EGLE provided project updated during this virtual meeting.
    • On July 31, 2020 Wolverine submitted their 2020 Second Quarter Progress Report as required under the Consent Decree

    Historical Sampling Table: PFOS + PFOA Only

    Data is reflective of criteria prior to August 3, 2020. This table reflects data received before August 3, 2020.

    Type of Sample

    Date Sampled

    Number of Samples

    Numberof Results Received

    Numberof Non-detects

    Number Between Non-detect and standard*

    Number of> Standard

    Groundwater

    		 Aug 31, 2017 -
    Mar 2020    		 405 405 19 28 358
    Surface Water Sep 2017 -
    Nov 30, 2018    		 46 46 11 20 15
    Cumulative 451 451 30 48 373

    *Groundwater results are compared to the previous EGLE Part 201 Criteria of 70 ppt PFOS+PFOA. 
    *Surface water samples are compared to Rule 57 non-drinking water values of 12 ppt for PFOS and 12,000 ppt for PFOA. 

    Sampling notes

    • On August 3, 2020, new Part 201 Criteria went into effect. 
    • Other PFAS analytes were detected in samples. There are no federal or state standards for these analytes.
    • Sediments, pore water, surface water foam, and soil samples have also been collected from this site. PFAS was detected in all types of samples. There are no criteria for these media.
    • A "Do Not Eat the Foam" advisory was issued by the Kent County Health Department in June 2018 for the Rogue River near the tannery.
    • On January 21, February 18, March 18, and April 15,  2021, the Wolverine Community Advisory Group held an online zoom meeting. EGLE provided project updates.
    • On February 19, 2021, As outlined in Section 7.7(b)(i) of the Consent Decree, Wolverine submitted a Draft Response Activity Plan for the Tannery interceptor system (including any proposed modifications or expansion(s) of the currently installed/planned interceptor system) to EGLE for its review and approval.
    • On February 19, 2021, Wolverine submitted the Draft Tannery Interceptor System Response Activity Plan. EGLE hosted a public meeting on May 5, 2021.The comments that EGLE received during the public comment are summarized and addressed in EGLE’s responsiveness summary document below:
    • On August 17, 2021, EGLE sent Wolverine a response letter summarizing EGLE's denial/disapproval of the draft Tannery Interceptor System Response Activity Plan.
    • On November 1, 2021, Wolverine submitted for EGLE review a revised Tannery Interceptor System Response Activity Plan.  
    • On February 10, 2022, EGLE sent Wolverine an approval with conditions letter of the revised November 1, 2021, Tannery Interceptor System Response Activity Plan.
    • On March 31, 2022, Wolverine submitted the final Tannery Interceptor Response Activity Plan.
    • On September 8, 2022, Wolverine informed EGLE that implementation of the Tannery Interceptor Response Activity Plan was behind schedule due to the results of pump testing conducted in May 2022.
    • On October 19, 2022, EGLE issued Wolverine a Violation Notice regarding the implementation of the Schedule included in the Tannery Interceptor Response Activity Plan.
      • Violation Notice Regarding the Tannery Interceptor System Response Activity Plan
    • On December 1, 2022, Wolverine submitted the draft Tannery Interceptor Response Activity Plan Addendum.
    • In 2024, Wolverine began implementation of the Final Revised Tannery Interceptor System Response Activity Plan, including the installation of nine groundwater interceptor trenches along the Rogue River and Rum Creek.
    • On March 19, 2025, the groundwater interceptor system began operation.  Groundwater from the trenches and extraction wells is treated in an on-site intermediate water treatment system and discharged to the Rogue River under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.  

Resources

MDHHS North Kent County Exposure Assessment

Plainfield Township's Wolverine World Wide PFAS Settlement

EPA in Michigan: Wolverine World Wide Tannery

Wolverine Community Advisory Group (CAG)