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Friends,
I am writing to provide an update on the Revere Copper site collapse into the Detroit River and to invite you to a community meeting about the issue taking place on Thursday, December 12.
REVERE COPPER UPDATE The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) was onsite at the Detroit Bulk Storage/former Revere Copper and Brass site on Friday. They conducted radiological testing and found radiation levels were below or at background levels. They also took water samples to test for PCBs, PAHs, metals and other substances.
So far, results are in for Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) and the tests showed no detectable levels of PAH contaminants. Test results for several other classes of contaminants — including heavy metals, PCBs and radiological contamination — are expected in the coming days, and more information can be found on EGLE’s website.
The site was remediated in the 1980s and 1990s. Testing done at that time and earlier this year also showed radiation was at or below typical background levels. We have not received any updated information from the Great Lakes Water Authority as it will take a few weeks for results from their tests from the water intakes.
My office is researching potential policy solutions and best practices, especially in regard to risk assessments at sites with known contaminants along major waterways, notification procedures and other issues. We will be working with environmental organizations to develop legislation to address gaps in the law that this incident has exposed.
Revere Copper Site — Community Meeting Please consider attending the Community Response Meeting on Thursday, December 12 at 7 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4605 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48201.
Many environmental organizations and public officials are hosting this meeting. Representatives from EGLE and the U.S. EPA will present updates and answer questions, so bring your ideas and any concerns you might have!
BUDGET UPDATE Last Wednesday, I voted in support of supplemental appropriations bills — totaling $459.3 million — that represented a bipartisan effort to ensure funding for environmental protection, education, public safety, mental health and more. Senate Bills 376 and 377 are important steps forward as budget talks continue, but there is still more work to be done. I look forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle that addresses all our concerns and that appropriately funds our needs. COFFEE HOURS Join me for my upcoming coffee hours! Bring your ideas, questions and concerns. Friday, Dec. 13
Monday, Dec. 16
Thank you for reading this update! You can check out our list of upcoming coffee hours and other events on my website at SenatorStephanieChang.com or reach out to my office in Detroit at (313) 922-6949, and in Lansing at (517) 373-7346 or toll-free at (855) DIST001 (855-347-8001). |
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Stephanie Chang |