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State investigators looking into potentially hazardous chemicals at Detroit property connected to I-696 'green ooze' business

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Posted at 6:38 PM, Jan 10, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-10 23:18:17-05

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy says they are investigating potentially hazardous chemicals that have been discovered at a Detroit property owned by the man believed to be responsible for the green ooze that seeped onto I-696.

The property at 5900 Commonwealth near the New Center area is owned by Gary Sayers, who reported to federal prison last week. As part of his deal with prosecutors, Sayers was supposed to sell the property to pay for cleanup costs related to hazadous chemicals he had stored on his property.

The deal for the sale of the property has since fallen through.

Officials say they chemicals at the Commonwealth property were discovered Friday by Detroit Fire Department inspectors. They had not been discovered during an inspection in December, after the chemicals were found in Madison Heights.

EGLE personnel are on the scene and assessing the situation, while determining their next steps and ensuring the site is secured.