U.S. EPA approves interim plan to stop groundwater contamination from leaving site in Michigan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reviewed and approved for further development a second phase of the Comprehensive Groundwater Interim Measure Plan for the BASF North Works site in Wyandotte, Michigan, to address groundwater contamination from the property to the Detroit River.

The groundwater remediation under the Comprehensive Groundwater Interim Measure Plan will consist of perimeter barriers, a groundwater collection and extraction system and an on-site water treatment facility.

The BASF North Works facility occupies about 230 acres of land in Wyandotte, Michigan bordering the Detroit River. The site has been used for a variety of industrial operations since the 1800s. It is currently used to manufacture chemicals and other products.

Results of investigations conducted by EPA and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy identified several contaminants of concern including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and PFAS.

Due to the large size and complexity of the cleanup, EPA is reviewing BASF’s cleanup plan in stages. The next design phase is due in August 2025.