November 4, 2004, 4:37 PM
LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- State officials said Thursday they were continuing talks with Dow Chemical Co. on how to clean up dioxin contamination.
Officials had said earlier that they expected to announce a potential agreement Thursday.
"We continue to have productive talks with Dow, and have made progress toward an agreement, which is much more important than a deadline," Lt. Gov. John Cherry said in a statement. "There will be no new deadline set as we move forward with our talks."
State officials have been in talks with Midland-based Dow since June, trying to hash out a plan that will protect the economic vitality of the area while meeting the requirements of Dow's 10-year Hazardous Waste Facility Operating Permit issued in June 2003.
At issue is the cleanup of soil and river sediment along at least 22 miles of Tittabawassee River flood plain downstream from Dow's headquarters in Midland.
Dioxin -- a persistent and toxic chemical released decades ago by Dow into the air and river -- has contaminated soils in the flood plain at levels many times higher than state standards allow. It also has contaminated residential soils in Midland.
Dow has promised to clean up sediment where necessary but contends the state's dioxin standard for residential soil is unreasonably strict.
Some environmentalists have complained the talks have been too secretive. They say they fear that input from state scientists, activists and the public has been pushed aside.
Cherry said the state would keep the public informed about the progress of the talks.
"Any potential agreements reached through the discussions will be available for public review and comment before being finalized," he said.
For additional articles like this one, go to the Tittabawasse River Watch web site www.trwnews.net for complete coverage of the Tittabawassee River Dow Chemical dioxin contamination saga. . The Newspaper / Media page of our site contains an extensive archive of media articles dating back to January 2002. The source organization's web site link is listed to the right of the article, visit often for other news in our area. The Newspaper / Media page may be accessed by scrolling down to the bottom of the CONTENTS section and clicking on the Newspaper/Media link.