Title
Resolution Regarding Legal Response Efforts Relative to the Spill of Hexavalent Chromium into the Huron River by Tribar Manufacturing
Staff
Prepared by: Atleen Kaur, City Attorney
Approved by: Atleen Kaur, City Attorney
Body
Whereas, On August 1, 2022, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) was notified by Tribar Manufacturing in Wixom that it had released several thousand gallons of a liquid containing 5% hexavalent chromium into the sewer system upstream of Ann Arbor;
Whereas, On August 2, 2022 EGLE issued a press release recommending that until further notice that all people and pets avoid contact with the Huron River water between North Wixom Road in Oakland County and Kensington Road in Livingston County, which includes Norton Creek downstream of the Wixom Wastewater Treatment Plant (Oakland County), Hubbell Pond (also known as Mill Pond in Oakland County) and Kent Lake (Oakland and Livingston counties);
Whereas, EGLE is conducting regular sampling of the water downstream from the area of the spill by Tribar and thus far no hexavalent chromium has been detected in the Huron River in Ann Arbor;
Whereas, Ann Arbor will have to expend significant resources to prepare contingency plans and Ann Arbor City staff are working continuously and tirelessly to develop a response plan to protect the water source for Ann Arbor;
Whereas, The spill of hexavalent chromium, which is a known human carcinogen, creates anxiety and extreme concern for residents, homeowners and business owners in affected areas and in Ann Arbor; and
Whereas, Tribar had previously been responsible for a PFAS spill in the Huron River in 2018;
RESOLVED, That the Ann Arbor City Council authorizes the City Attorney’s Office to investigate all legal courses of action, claims and other options to protect the interests of the City and those who rely on its water supply to take any such actions that the City Attorney deems necessary and appropriate to protect the City’s legal interests and to further protect the health, welfare and safety of the public and environment, including the filing of legal causes of action; and
RESOLVED, That the Ann Arbor City Council directs the City Attorney to provide legal advice on a regular basis regarding related legal issues.
Sponsored by: Mayor Taylor and Councilmembers Grand, Radina, Eyer, Disch, Griswold and Briggs