This story was originally published by The Guardian and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and local officials are investigating the recent release of dangerous chemicals into Michigan’s Huron River, a 130-mile-long waterway that is popular for fishing and recreation and supplies drinking water for more than 100,000 people in Ann Arbor as well as other south-eastern Michigan communities.
Then, despite alarms signaling the spill, a plant operator overrode the alarm 460 times in roughly three hours, according to the agency, failing to report the spill for more than two days.
The July event marks the second time in four years that Tribar has been blamed for releasing harmful chemicals into the water, and, critics say, is yet another example of how contamination from corporate polluters can endanger entire communities.
“It just shows gross negligence,” said Sean McBrearty, legislative and policy director of Clean Water Action.
On August 10, a group of about 150 area residents, advocates, and lawmakers gathered for a... Read more
