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 hazcating of sampled drums and containers.  EPA has completed Level B sampling of all drums and containers throughout Areas 1-26.  To date 3,827 samples have been collected and 3,200 have been hazcated.

EPA has completed the transfer of acid liquids from site containers and drums to a staged baker tank for disposal.  

Lab pack activities have been completed by vendor and an estimated 5,600 small containers have been disposed of from staging Area 16 and site laboratory.

1) Continue to conduct hazcating
2) Continue to bulk waste streams
3) Continue to transport and dispose of wastes