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Community Corner

Judge Orders Ford Keep Records On Possible Pollutants In Shelby Open

Shelby attorney: "This is a victory for us." Records on possible groundwater pollutants near Ford Visteon plant to remain open for now.

Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Richard L. Caretti ruled that it is too early to determine Ford Motor Company’s request to keep records on contaminated property located near the former Mound Road Visteon plant sealed from the public. 

Caretti said he’s not ruling on the case because it is ambiguous what records Ford wishes to keep quiet, WXYZ.com reported.  Environmental studies that focus on potentially harmful toxins seeping into the groundwater may be included in the reports that Ford wishes to keep quiet. 

Shelby Township officials challenged Ford's request for a protective order, citing concerns about possible ground water contamination.

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"This is a victory.  The judge entered an order this afternoon stating the records are not confidential. We can share information with the residents," said Shelby Township attorney Robert Huth. 

There is an irrigation well serving residents of the Manors of Central Park located within 400 feet of the contamination. Mike Grobbel, president of the Manors Board of Directors plans to test the water himself to determine the level of contamination. 

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"Am I worried about what I've heard so far? Yes, a little, and that's why we plan to test the water ourselves," he said. "If worse comes to worse and the water is beyond the EPA limits then we will shut down the well." 

Ford spokeswoman Becky Sanch said of the ruling: "Today is a victory for everyone involved, including the residents of Shelby Township, because the court has enabled Ford to share information and access the adjacent property for testing. Since Ford identified this issue we have been investigating the former plant site while trying to gain access to the adjacent property to conduct further testing and determine its current condition. While we have not seen any data to support that anything is leaving the former plant site and moving into the neighboring community, the court’s decision allows us to investigate further. We remain committed to doing what is right for the community and environment.” 

Ford sold the former Visteon plant to Indiana Metals, who started demolition in May 2011, but stopped after the Township issued a lawsuit claiming work was not being executed safely and properly, including improper removal of asbestos.

The township issued 32 condition demolition guidelines to Indiana Metals, which put all demolition on hold. Work continued when Indiana Metals agreed to the township’s conditions, which included removal of concrete slabs. The Township sued Indiana Metals June 14 for not meeting the terms. Ford Motor Company is responsible for remediation contaminated soil.

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