News Release: DEQ and EPA provide update on Wolverine Tannery PFAS investigation

11/27/2018

For Immediate Release:
November 27, 2018

Contact:
DEQ Media Office, deq-assist@michigan.gov, 517-284-9278

DEQ and EPA provide update on Wolverine Tannery PFAS investigation  

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) today released an update on the joint DEQ and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) investigation into releases of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other contaminants at the Wolverine Worldwide Tannery and House Street site in Rockford, Michigan.

The Wolverine Factsheet serves to update the community on the investigation and response actions taken to address environmental contamination from operations in and around the former Wolverine Worldwide Tannery site. The fact sheet can be viewed at Michigan.gov/Belmont.

The DEQ and EPA also announced the date for the next town hall meeting on the Wolverine investigation. The open house and meeting will be held January 23, 2019, at Rockford High School beginning at 6:00 pm. This informational meeting will update the community on the investigation status and provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions.

PFAS compounds are a group of emerging and potentially harmful contaminants used in thousands of applications globally including firefighting foam, food packaging, and many other consumer products. These compounds are also used by industries such as tanneries, metal platers, and clothing manufacturers.

For more information on PFAS visit the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) web site at: Michigan.gov/PFASresponse. Additional information on EPA’s investigation can be found at: epa.gov/mi/wolverine-world-wide-tannery.