Lansing, MI - The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has created a webpage that includes an interactive map showing locations and results of surface water sampling after Tribar Manufacturing in Wixom released an industrial plating solution into the Huron River system the weekend of July 29.
The website is at: Michigan.gov/EGLETribarResponse
The plating solution contained hexavalent chromium, also referred to as hexchrome, a known carcinogen that can cause adverse health effects through ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation. The liquid was discharged to the sanitary sewer system and routed to the Wixom wastewater treatment facility. The wastewater discharges to Norton Creek, which flows into the Huron River system.
The interactive map shows more than 60 locations of ongoing sampling for hexchrome and total chromium along more than 42 miles of the Huron River system, from Wixom downstream to Barton Pond, site of a City of Ann Arbor drinking water system intake. Location markers on the map expand to show details such as date, water body, depth of sample, and whether any measurable amounts of hexchrome or total chromium were found. The map will be updated with results from ongoing sampling and testing.
To date, of the more than 145 surface water samples collected – including replicates for quality control – three have had detectable levels of hexchrome, and all were below water quality values to protect human health. One of the three detections was at the water quality value to protect aquatic life. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) today lifted a recommendation that had been in place to avoid contact with Huron River system water. State and local officials continue to work together to protect public health, keep residents informed, and answer questions. Resources for the public include:
- Webpages from the Oakland County Health Division, Washtenaw County Health Department, and the City of Ann Arbor.
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ MI Toxic Hotline for questions about potential health effects or exposures: 800-648-6942.
- EGLE’s Environmental Assistance Center, a single point of entry into the agency’s programs:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 800-662-9278.
On Friday, August 12, 2022, MDHHS lifted the recommendation for no contact with Huron River water after reviewing data related to Tribar toxic chemical release. The amount of chromium released to the river was not at levels for human health risk, but sampling will continue.
MDHHS added that there is no need for people and pets to continue to avoid contact with Huron River water, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) determined after reviewing data collected following a chemical release in Oakland County.
MDHHS had issued a no-contact recommendation on Aug. 2 after hexavalent chromium was released into the Wixom Sewage Treatment Facility from Tribar Manufacturing in Wixom the weekend of July 29. The sewer feeds the Wixom wastewater treatment plant, which discharges to the Huron River system.
Data MDHHS received on Wednesday from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and reviewed by MDHHS found chromium levels in the river were below levels of concern for effects on human health. The data review found that:
- The amount of hexavalent chromium released into the Huron River was much less than originally thought.
- The release was predominantly trivalent chromium, not hexavalent chromium. Trivalent chromium is a micronutrient that is part of humans’ diet and is far less concerning from a health perspective.
- Hexavalent chromium was not detected in the majority of the surface water samples. The detections in three samples were well below the level that could cause harm.
“MDHHS is lifting its no-contact recommendation for the Huron River based on testing results we have received over the past week,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The collaboration between local and state officials illustrates the strong commitment our state has to the health and safety of Michigan families.”
Of 146 water samples collected throughout 42 river miles since the release, hexavalent chromium was detected in three samples. Chromium was found in six of 146 samples. Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen that can cause a number of adverse health effects through ingestion, skin contact or inhalation.
To protect the health of people using the river, MDHHS had recommended that people and pets avoid contact with the Huron River water between North Wixom Road in Oakland County and Kensington Road in Livingston County. This included Norton Creek downstream of the Wixom Wastewater Treatment Plant in Oakland County, Hubbell Pond – also known as Mill Pond – in Oakland County, and Kent Lake in Oakland and Livingston counties. Since that time, MDHHS has learned much more information, resulting in the decision to lift the no-contact recommendation.
Officials have emphasized there is no immediate threat to drinking water. The closest drinking water intake is in Ann Arbor. The city has been notified of the release and is also taking steps to monitor incoming water. In addition, MDHHS and EGLE will conduct sampling for total chromium and hexavalent chromium three times a week at multiple locations upstream of the Ann Arbor intake in Barton Pond. There will be testing once a week for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS. The location and timing of sampling is designed to assure protection of the drinking water.
“Public health and safety are paramount to EGLE’s mission,” said EGLE Director Liesl Clark. While diligent sampling and testing continue on miles of the Huron River system, along with additional support of communities, the hard work and long hours of EGLE and MDHHS teams have led us to where we are today.”
Test results will be communicated to the public at Michigan.gov/EGLETribarResponse.
MDHHS’s MI Toxic Hotline is still available for questions about potential health effects or exposures. People can call 800-648-6942, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday, Aug. 13, and Sunday, Aug. 14.
See previous articles on this topic:
- MI Residents Urged To Avoid Contact With Section Of Huron River (August 3, 2022)
- Investigation Into Carcinogen Release Into Huron River Widened (August 4, 2022)
- Huron River Testing Continues With Preliminary Results Negative (August 5, 2022)
- Milford Pond Area Is Latest Testing Site For Huron River Toxin (August 6, 2022)
- Weekend Testing Results On Huron River Toxin Release (August 9, 2022)
- Violation Notices Issued In Huron River Chemical Release (August 11, 2022)