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Health & Fitness

Shelby Township barred from MDEQ/Ford Motor Co. meeting

MDEQ District Supervisor Paul Owens barred all Shelby Township officials from attending a May 14 meeting between his department and Ford Motor Co. to discuss contamination at 50500 Mound Road.

Following multiple assurances to the contrary, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality District Supervisor Paul Owens barred all Shelby Township officials from attending a May 14 meeting between his department and representatives from Ford Motor Co. to discuss extensive environmental contamination at Ford’s former auto plant at 50500 Mound Road that has spread to neighboring property.

After initially granting access to the Township, its attorney and environmental science experts, Owens refuted an invitation for the second time in a span of 24 hours less than six hours before the 2:30 p.m. May 14 meeting as he said Ford withdrew its participation because of the inclusion of township experts.

On May 6, township officials were initially invited to the meeting but were later barred from the meeting May 13 after Owens cited a belief that the mere presence of township representatives would lead to a confrontational environment, which would not foster productive conversation.

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“Mr. Owens’ belief that the Township’s team of experts could not conduct itself in a courteous manner is insulting,” Township Supervisor Rick Stathakis said.  “Yes, this issue of environmental contamination so near our residents and parks is alarming and of the utmost concern, but it does not strip us of our ability to operate as dignified professionals.”

Stathakis said that after more than an hour of discussion with Owens on matters of MDEQ transparency and responsibility to taxpayers May 13, Shelby Township was granted access and given an apology, but it was short-lived as less than 24 hours later the Township was again barred from the meeting.

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“Ford has known about this contamination for at least seven years and has not taken any action whatsoever to remove it,” Stathakis said. “And, knowing that, I don’t know if I trust the authenticity of what transpires at these secret meetings.”

Stathakis reaffirmed that Shelby Township, which is in the process of seeking a court order requiring Ford to immediately clean up the contamination that it has caused, is asking only that MDEQ provide full transparency of its meetings with Ford and Ford’s submissions to the MDEQ

“We want Ford to clean this mess up immediately, and we want full disclosure,” Stathakis said. “Our residents are concerned about their health, safety, welfare, and property values and they deserve full access and information.

“And given that we had no hand in creating this mess, Shelby Township and its citizens deserve nothing less.”

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