mdn022404

DEQ: Dioxin levels remain high
Kelly Nankervis , Midland Daily News	02/24/2004

Preliminary test results for recent samples taken by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality from the Tittabawassee River flood plain also show elevated dioxin levels.

The DEQ reports the levels are consistent with those from testing since December 2000.
The recent samples were taken from residential properties along the Tittabawassee River flood plain, downstream from Midland, during the spring, summer and fall of 2003.

The preliminary results indicate properties with concentrations of dioxin as high as 5,660 parts per trillion for areas that flooded frequently. Established state guidelines for dioxin concentrations for human contact on residential property are below 90 parts per trillion.

Results show properties outside the flood plain that are not flooded frequently do not have higher dioxin levels, and areas where soil from frequently flooded areas was used as fill material have higher levels of the substance.

The DEQ last week mailed the results of samples taken from properties to owners. The data is to be placed on line, and also is available from the DEQ Saginaw Bay District Office, 503 N. Euclid Avenue in Bay City, or by calling (989) 686-8025 ext. 8303.

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.