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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 28, 2020
Mellisa Powers-Taylor, PowersTaylorM@Michigan.gov, 517-388-0795
Jill A. Greenberg, EGLE Spokesperson, GreenbergJ@Michigan.gov, 517-897-4965
En español: Reunión pública virtual para que el proyecto piloto de Spartan Chemical elimine el suelo contaminado
Virtual public meeting set for Spartan Chemical pilot project to remove contaminated soil
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) plans to host a virtual public meeting that will offer community members an opportunity to learn about the upcoming remediation pilot study excavation project at the Spartan Chemical Superfund Site, located at 2539 28th Street SW, Wyoming, Michigan. The project involves removing contaminated soil from the site and disposing it at an offsite landfill.
The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Oct. 1. Individuals interested in attending can pre-register or click this link when the event begins at 6 p.m.
The upcoming remediation pilot study excavation project was developed by EGLE and its contractor between 2016-19. The pilot test will address three areas: one will involve soil removal under a large construction tent and the last two will involve applying liquid or foam to prevent gasses from leaving the soil.
The Spartan Chemical Co. operated as a bulk chemical storage, transfer and repackaging plant from 1952-91. During its operation, the company handled a variety of chemicals including aromatic solvents, chlorinated solvents, lacquer thinners and ethers. Prior to 1963, the company discharged its wastewater to the ground. Both above and underground storage tanks were used to store chemicals at the property.
EGLE, in consultation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has performed investigations and remedial actions since the 1990s. During a soil excavation in 2015, EGLE and their contractor observed discolored soil. Sample results of this soil revealed high levels of metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which could appear as an air contaminant. Perimeter air monitoring showed that amounts of VOCs in the air were above the target levels set for the project. EGLE’s contractor installed a protective cover to prevent the VOCs from escaping into the air until a plan of action could be developed and implemented to safely remove the contaminated soil.
The excavation is planned to begin Oct. 5, 2020, and will end at the beginning of January 2021.
The public meeting will provide an overview of the project and the safety measures that EGLE and contractors will put in place to protect the surrounding community and onsite workers. EGLE representatives also will address questions or concerns from the community.
Registration information
To attend the virtual public information meeting, register online. Registered participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. For those who do not have internet access and would like to join by phone only, call the following phone number: 312-626-6799, and use access code 959 3565 1065#. Pre-registration is not required to attend the meeting. Individuals interested in participating can join the online meeting at the start of the event at 6 p.m.
Additional links:
For more information about the public meeting, contact EGLE representative Mellisa Powers-Taylor at PowersTaylorM@Michigan.gov or 517-388-0795.
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