EGLE Finds Hexavalent Chromium Release Largely Stopped by Filters

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has determined that much of Tribar's release of around 4,000 pounds of hexavalent chromium did not reach the Huron River. A large portion was taken up by Tribar's filtration system and subsequently by the Wixom Wastewater Treatment plant. EGLE believes about 20 pounds of hexavalent chromium actually reached the watershed. 

While this is good news for the watershed and Ann Arbor residents, the toxic chemical did not just disappear: it is now in Tribar's filters and in the Wixom plant. EGLE found that Tribar's filters are "clogged with material" containing high levels of chromium and the Wixom plant has chromium-laced liquids and solids that need special treatment. The incident illustrates the vulnerability of our fresh water and the need to eliminate hexavalent chromium in metal plating.