Thursday, March 25, 2026, Update
U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency began removing hazardous materials from private
property in Leland, Michigan. In coordination with Leland Township Fire and
Rescue, Leelanau County Emergency Management, Benzie-Leelanau District Health
Department and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy,
officials advise local residents to be aware of increased truck traffic and to
stay clear of workers in the area. EPA-conducted air monitoring to date shows
no indication of harmful levels of potential air hazards.
On March 24, EPA assistance was requested by Leelanau County and EGLE to
respond to leaking containers of calcium carbide on private property. EPA
arrived the same day and found at least six 250-pound drums of calcium carbide,
an industrial chemical that when combined with water creates a potentially
flammable and explosive gas called acetylene. The drums were found inside an
old pole barn in the backyard of the property. EPA worked with the local hazmat
team to restrict access to the area.
In addition to immediately conducting air
monitoring, EPA will remove and properly dispose of the hazardous material
drums and any other materials identified as hazardous from the site. During
this emergency cleanup, EPA will secure the site to prevent unauthorized entry
and conduct air monitoring to protect workers and neighboring communities.
While work is ongoing, the fire department will be on-site in the event
assistance with the cleanup is needed.
