Second Toxic Spill In 4 Years To Huron River Should Set Off Alarms For Michigan’s Leaders

Ann Arbor, MI — The Michigan League of Conservation Voters (Michigan LCV) today released the following statement regarding Tribar Chemical’s spill of 8,000 gallons of the toxic chemical Hexavalent Chromium into the Huron River – the second time in four years the company has been responsible for widespread pollution. 

“Once again, a corporate polluter — the same one responsible for the PFAS crisis in the Huron River — has contaminated this important river with toxic chemicals, and worse yet, they took over two days to report it,” said Lisa Wozniak, executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “This horrible news is a stark reminder that who we elect in November matters – and we need a Governor, Attorney General, and state Legislature that will take these polluters head-on, make them clean up their messes, and protect our health.  Toxic contamination in our drinking water continues to afflict Michiganders and we’re alarmed by the lack of attention on the campaign trail being dedicated to this tremendous threat – Democrats and Republicans alike.”

Hexavalent Chromium is a known carcinogen that can cause adverse health effects such as kidney and liver damage, nasal and sinus cancers, and nasal, skin, and eye irritation. Tribar Chemical is also responsible for PFAS contamination in the Huron River detected in 2018 that resulted in a “do not eat” advisory for fish caught in the Huron River and connected streams, lakes and ponds. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is recommending avoiding contact with the water between North Wixom Road in Oakland County and Kensington Road in Livingston County.