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Many contaminated sites remain in Ann Arbor. Some cleanups have been successful while others remain contaminated after years of investigation and remediation. Changes in state law have led to fewer true cleanups and more sites that are simply paved over to protect public health. |
How many sites have been remediated in Ann Arbor?
This is a difficult question to answer because the City does not have access to all of the information. Contaminated sites are regulated by MDEQ. Many of the sites that have been "cleaned up" did not involve removal of much if any contamination, but instead relied on paving the site over to reduce potential exposures. Through the City's participation in the Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, three "Brownfield" redevelopments have been approved to use tax increment financing to remove contamination from these sites. Many underground storage tanks have been removed from old gas stations, however, many remain and they routinely are identified when older commercial sites are redeveloped.
How does cleanup of contaminated sites affect our environment?
True cleanup benefits the environment because the source of the contamination is removed which reduces the exposure potential now and into the future. Paving the site or using other institutional controls is beneficial in reducing the exposure and allowing redevelopment of the site but the contamination remains, can be problematic for future site uses, and can spread off site. Contamination that remains in the ground can infiltrate into structures and often migrates offsite onto other properties.
What are some of the more significant contaminated sites in Ann Arbor?
The State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality regulates the cleanup of contaminated sites. Links below will take you to state lists of contaminated sites (Part 201 list) and active or closed underground storage tank sites.
More information
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