WIXOM, Mich. (AP) — Michigan environmental officials have notified an auto trim maker it broke the law by dumping industrial chemicals into a river system northwest of Detroit.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy said its water resources division issued citations Tuesday to Tribar Manufacturing in Wixom for releasing a plating solution containing hexavalent chromium into a system. sanitary sewer the weekend of July 29.
The solution was piped to an area wastewater treatment facility that discharges the wastewater into a creek that empties into the Huron River system.
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen that can cause a number of adverse health effects through ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation.
Tribar Manufacturing was cited for failing to immediately notify the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy upon discovering the release. He was also cited for sending an unauthorized discharge of pollutants to the sewage treatment facility which resulted in interference with the treatment process,
Tribar Manufacturing was given until Aug. 20 to respond to the notices in writing, according to the state agency. The Associated Press called Tribar Manufacturing on Wednesday afternoon but could not leave a message on the company’s voicemail system.
On Monday, state health officials said testing at 55 sites did not detect hexavalent chromium in the Huron River system downstream of the release.
Health officials recommend that people and pets avoid contact with river water in parts of Oakland and Livingston counties. He also advises that fish caught in this area should not be eaten.
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy said it is continuing to investigate the reasons for the chemical release and the exact volume and product that was released.
The Associated Press
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