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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2008
Contact:
Lisa Williams 517-351-8324
Georgia Parham 812-332-4261 x 203
EA 08-36
Public Invited to Comment on Draft Plan to Assess Natural Resource Damage
in the Tittabawassee River System; Public Meeting ScheduledA draft plan to assess the damage to fish, wildlife, and habitat from dioxins, furans and other harmful chemicals released into the Tittabawassee River is available for public review and comment. A public meeting to present information regarding the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Plan for the Tittabawassee River System Assessment Area will be held on April 17, 2008 in the Great Hall B at the Best Western Valley Plaza Inn, 5221 Bay City Road, Midland, Michigan, starting at 7pm.
Agencies acting as trustees for the river’s resources - including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior; the Michigan Departments of Environmental Quality, Natural Resources and Attorney General; and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan – developed the plan to assess injuries to natural resources resulting from the releases of hazardous substances from Dow Chemical Company’s plant on the Tittabawassee River in Midland County. The Assessment Plan describes the proposed approach for determining and quantifying natural resource injuries and calculating damages associated with these injuries.
Dow Chemical Company released dioxins, furans and other hazardous substances to the Tittabawassee River from its Midland plant which began operations in the late 1890’s. Elevated concentrations of these hazardous substances are found in sediments, floodplain soils, fish, mammals and birds downstream of the plant. The state has issued consumption advisories for fish and wildlife associated with the site as well as soil contact advisories.
A copy of the draft assessment plan, along with more information about the Tittabawassee River restoration effort, are available at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/TittabawasseeRiverNRDA/index.html
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov
-FWS-
