Yesterday, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) issued a news release, State, local officials recommend residents avoid contact with the Huron River between North Wixom and Kensington roads, following a hexavalent chromium release to the Wixom Sewage Treatment Facility from Tribar Manufacturing in Wixom. The sewer feeds the Wixom wastewater treatment plant, which discharges to the Huron River. Today, EGLE issued an update on this situation, State widens testing, probe into hexavalent chromium release, health hotline available for public. 

What we know. 
There is no immediate threat to Ann Arbor's drinking water. It remains safe for all uses. Although the closest drinking water intake is in Ann Arbor, the time-of-travel modeling indicates it would take the contaminant several weeks or more to make its way to the city's water intakes.

What we are doing. 

The city is increasing its monitoring in the Huron River so we are able to identify when and if the chromium plume reaches our intake. We are also working with EGLE to identify means to optimize our treatment for chromium removal should it become necessary.

What we don't know. 

There are many questions we do not have answers for yet. However, staff are working around the clock to implement sampling protocols and develop a response plan in coordination with state and local agencies. We are committed to informing our community of any plans once developed as well as analytical test data related to this spill. All information will be posted on the project webpage: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/water-treatment/Pages/Chromium-Spill-.aspx. This website will be updated as frequently as information becomes available. 

Thank you,
City of Ann Arbor Communications
[email protected] 
www.a2gov.org/news  
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