BASF, Water, Chemicals, Fish...Oh my!

"I was truly shocked to learn that BASF was urged decades ago to upgrade their facility and address existing pollution, yet no meaningful action has been taken. For over a century on the BASF site, industrial activities and the use of contaminated materials to build up the land have severely polluted the soil across the facility's 230 acres. Despite being aware of groundwater contamination since the 1970s-and entering two Consent Orders with EGLE and the EPA in 1986 and 1994 to prevent further pollution-BASF has made woefully inadequate progress.

The pollution, which has persisted for decades, continues to seep through the soil on the site and flow into the Detroit River, raising serious questions: Why hasn't BASF taken the necessary steps? Why have they waited so long while the problem has worsened? It's infuriating to think that this contamination has been allowed to persist for so long. This contamination poses a severe threat to those who swim, fish, and enjoy the river, with explicit warnings against human contact due to the toxicity. Residents south of the facility deserve access to vital information to protect themselves and their families.

On average, 35–60 gallons of contaminated groundwater discharge into the river every minute, amounting to tens of thousands of gallons daily. This groundwater contains dangerous pollutants, including mercury, PFAS, and high pH levels. Mercury and PFAS, which are bio-accumulative, have contributed to the Detroit River's impaired status. Other harmful substances-such as vanadium, selenium, arsenic, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs)-have also been detected.

The EPA's recently approved remedial design plan contains significant flaws, raising doubts about its ability to stop the flow of contaminated groundwater into the river. Given the long history of delays, inaction, and unfulfilled commitments, there is little confidence in the timelines or solutions proposed by the responsible parties. I can't help but feel that the responsible parties are failing to protect the people and the ecosystem they've endangered. Residents and environmental advocates must continue to demand accountability to protect public health and the ecosystem" said Raquel Garcia, Executive Director of Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision.