Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced a settlement in a lawsuit concerning contamination at former Keeler Brass Company sites in Western Michigan. The agreement mandates the company to investigate and address hazardous substances, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like trichloroethylene (TCE), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), at four of their previous locations.
"Michigan residents deserve to be safe from environmental contamination in their communities," stated Nessel. She emphasized that companies should not expect taxpayers to cover cleanup costs for pollution they cause. "This resolution helps protect the people of our State from hazardous substances, and I am eager to see this work begin to protect West Michigan workers and the environment."
The lawsuit was initiated in 2022 with the goal of compelling Keeler Brass entities to properly manage the risks associated with their contamination. TCE, commonly used in metal finishing, can create harmful vapors indoors if present at certain concentrations, posing health risks.
Under the terms of the Consent Decree filed with Kent County Circuit Court, Keeler Brass must investigate and mitigate contamination at these sites:
1. 955 Godfrey SW, Grand Rapids: Address PFAS and VOCs including TCE; install necessary vapor intrusion mitigation systems.
2. 2929 32nd Street SE, Kentwood: Investigate groundwater contamination; assess vapor intrusion risks.
3. 236 Stevens Street SW, Grand Rapids: Investigate perchloroethylene (PCE); mitigate vapor intrusion risks.
4. 835 Hall Street SW, Grand Rapids: Investigate onsite TCE; mitigate vapor intrusion risks.
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will oversee all investigation and remediation efforts as per Part 201 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.
Phil Roos, EGLE director, commented on EGLE's ongoing efforts to protect public health from hazardous substances like PFAS and VOCs: "West Michigan residents can be assured that the terms of the consent agreement and EGLE’s ongoing oversight...will help protect people of the State from these substances." He also thanked Attorney General Nessel for holding responsible parties accountable under environmental laws.
As part of the settlement agreement, Keeler Brass will also cover both past and future oversight costs incurred by the state along with litigation expenses including attorney fees for Special Assistant Attorneys General involved in this matter.