September 19th, 2022

AG Nessel announced the issuance of an Order by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to a chemical manufacturer, Lockhart Chemical Company, based in Flint. Lockhart’s underground tunnels that carry their chemicals to the wastewater treatment plant were found to have leaks which allowed these pollutants to make their way into the Flint River. This was determined through EGLE “fingerprinting”, which allowed the agency to pinpoint where the pollutants were originating from.

EGLE had asked for voluntary-action from Lockhart before issuing this Order, but the company did not adequately stop their pollution leading to more agency involvement. Under Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, EGLE was authorized to order Lockhart’s use of certain underground tunnels whose contents eventually made the journey into the Flint River.

With this action AG Nessel is holding Michigan polluters accountable. Read the order here.