Dow testing hundreds of sites for presence of chemicals

FOR THE SAGINAW NEWS

MIDLAND -- Soil testing to detect the presence of dioxins and furans is under way here, and most property owners seem eager to know the results.

Tests began Monday. Of 571 property owners who received letters from Dow Chemical Co. asking for sampling permission, 350 have said yes so far, said city Utilities Director Noel D. Bush.

The city is among them.

City Council members have agreed to let Dow sample soil at 14 city-owned parcels as part of the company's corrective action plan under its hazardous waste facility operating license, Bush said.

Dow is looking for chemicals historically released from its complex to see if nearby properties are contaminated.

Dow and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality developed the testing plan, Bush said.

It involves drawing 23 lines radiating from the complex. Surface soil samples will come from spots along the lines.

"Dow's contractor will take enough soil to fill about a quart jar," Bush said.

Dow will restore the property after sampling. Each dig should take about an hour, Bush said.

Samples will come from front yards, if possible, for easy accessibility by the sampling team.

Bush said that if results show that contaminants pose harm, the parties will identify the property so Dow and the DEQ can decide how to proceed.

Bush said the study areas range as far north from downtown as Wheeler Road. v