FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 27, 2002

Contact: Patricia Spitzley
(517) 241-7398


DEQ Elects not to Pursue Consent Order with Dow Chemical Company

Director Russell Harding announced today that the DEQ will not pursue
finalization of the draft consent order with Dow Chemical. "While it
continues to be my belief that a consent order to address the dioxin
contamination in Midland is the appropriate solution, it has become
impossible at this late date to prepare a final document that not only
complies with the environmental statute, but also reflects the
substantive comments received from all parties," said Harding. "It is
my understanding that the DEQ will continue to work with Dow and other
interested parties to find a resolution to this issue."

The proposed Corrective Action Consent Order was drafted to address the
dioxin contaminated soils in and around the City of Midland. The draft
document was released for a 30-day public comment on November 8, 2002,
with a public hearing conducted in the city of Midland on November 21,
2002.

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