United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region V
POLLUTION REPORT

Subject: 

ChemServe was a manufacturer of dyes, soaps, drain cleaner, and conditioner.  It was also believed to have stored off specification chemicals and wastes. Between 2005 and 2007, Michigan DEQ issued six Notices of Violation.  In October and November 2007, EPA, Michigan DEQ, and City of Detroit Fire Department conducted two site visits which documented 1000s of drums and small containers unlabeled, mislabeled, and in various stages of leaking and rupturing.  

On March 11, 2008, Michigan Department of Community Health issued an imminent and substantial hazard finding.  On March 26, 2008, Michigan DEQ, with assistance from the Michigan Attorney General’s office, issued an imminent hazard order (closing the facility).  

Between March 27 and April 1, 2008, EPA issued a Unilateral Administrative Order for cleanup, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth issued citations for occupational safety and health violations, and the City of Detroit revoked ChemServe’s operations permit.

EPA continues Level B sampling/hazcating of staged drums and containers throughout multiple areas of the site.  Areas 5,9,10,15 and 27 have been completed.

To date, 7 waste streams have been identified, 1650 drums/containers sampled, and 1300 drums/containers hazcated.  

Multiple lab-pack vendors have been on site to evaluate type of chemicals for transportation and disposal in Area 16 of the site and the laboratory.

1) Continue to conduct sampling and hazcating
2) Continue to transport and dispose of wastes

EPA will receive estimates from lab pack vendors starting on June 20 for transportation and disposal of an estimated 2000 small chemical containers collected throughout the site.  

In addition, vendors will provide EPA with cost estimate for lab packing activities associated with ChemServes' 3,500 laboratory chemicals.

Under Michigan DEQ's Cease and Desist Order, May 13 was ChemServe's deadline to prove assertion of product (i.e. anything remaining on site is a waste).

The OSC has contacted the Superfund Redevelopment Coordinator, EPA Brownfields Program, and a community based group to promote reuse of the facility once the cleanup is complete.