The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and Revitalizing Auto Communities Environmental Response (RACER) Trust have finalized a Corrective Action Consent Order that transfers the lead agency role at Buick City, Flint, from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to EGLE.
EGLE will continue to work with the USEPA and RACER Trust to move the cleanup and redevelopment of Buick City forward and build on the extensive work that has already been completed under USEPA’s Corrective Action Order.
The lead role change will ensure that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are addressed during the cleanup, along with other site contaminants. PFAS are a group of emerging and potentially harmful contaminants that are present at Buick City because of their historic use in automobile manufacturing. PFAS have been identified in the soil and groundwater at Buick City and are a threat to the Flint River.
Contaminated groundwater at Buick City is not used for drinking or any other purposes, and its use is prohibited by deed restrictions that are enforced by EGLE. EGLE and the USEPA have worked closely with RACER Trust, the Genesee County Health Department and the City of Flint to identify possible drinking water wells located near Buick City. Protection of the Flint River remains an important cleanup goal.
Under the EGLE corrective action consent order, RACER Trust will continue to carry out its obligations at Buick City to protect human health and the environment. This includes preparation and implementation of remedial action plans, maintenance and operation of essential environmental systems, and monitoring and evaluation of environmental data.
A virtual public meeting is being planned for the fall to update Flint residents on progress and to answer questions.
The Corrective Action Consent Order can be found at Michigan.gov/BuickCity along with additional information about the site.
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