MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. (WXYZ) — State regulators are launching a new, formal preliminary assessment of the green ooze site in Madison Heights.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is looking for possible inclusion in the federal Environment Protection Agency's Superfund Program.
The lane of I-696 closed for work on the contamination will reopen early next week and could happen as early as Monday. Officials will start a workaround to keep the chemicals out of the sewer and begin scrutinizing soil and groundwater tests.
EGLE officials will have a new site assessment completed this spring, using test sample data.
The exit ramp at Couzens, and service drive, will remain closed indefinitely. At least two workers will be maintaining the pumps that are removing contaminated liquid during forecasted rain and flooding.
EGLE officials also have confirmed elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in contaminated water collected by a sump pump in the basement pit of the facility, where EPS owner Gary Sayers illegally stored chemicals for decades.
