Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed a lawsuit against Ox Paperboard WP, LLC and White Pigeon Mills, LLC for alleged PFAS contamination in the White Pigeon River and surrounding areas. The suit, filed in Ingham County Circuit Court, claims that the companies have repeatedly discharged PFAS-contaminated wastewater since they began operating the White Pigeon Mill in June 2020.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued seven violation notices to Ox Paperboard for these discharges. Despite these notices, the lawsuit alleges continued violations of state laws prohibiting harmful discharges into Michigan waters. The complaint seeks closure of wastewater lagoons on the mill property and an end to unauthorized discharges. It also demands civil fines and costs associated with enforcing compliance.
Attorney General Nessel emphasized her commitment to environmental protection: “When companies operating in Michigan fail to respect our laws and our communities, our Department will not hesitate to use its full authority under the law to defend our public health and our natural resources.”
Phil Roos, Director of EGLE, stated: “Every resident across the State deserves clean air, safe water, and a healthy community... We are committed to enforcing Michigan’s statutes prohibiting harmful PFAS discharges into waters of the State.”
This lawsuit is part of a broader effort by Nessel's office against PFAS-related pollution. Other legal actions include lawsuits against multiple PFAS manufacturers and manufacturers of firefighting foam containing PFAS.
More information about these efforts can be found on the Department of Attorney General website.