After an Independence Township family found their well contaminated by petroleum, officials are beginning to take local action.
“We are implementing more oversight locally rather than relying on state or county officials,” said township Supervisor Pat Kittle.
The Robinson family live on Maple Road, off Dixie Highway, and received shipments of bottled water from the state for most of last year. Michigan Department of Environmental Quality suspect underground leaking gasoline tanks at a Citgo station on Dixie Highway to be at fault.
‘I immediately investigated options to offer Maple Road residents a Special Assessment District, so we can extend a water main and install services to residents on Maple,? Kittle said.
Under that SAD, the township would front the $300,000-$400,000 cost for a project, but taxpayers would pay it all back for years on taxes.
Many Maple Street wells tested clean for contaminants, so Kittle said the majority of Maple residents are not interested in an SAD.
Kittle ordered all wells in the township be screened for petroleum, which was not performed previously. Water was also tested for other containments not required by state or federal law.
Each of the townships 14 underground water aquifers, which supply residents with water, were screened for numerous harmful contaminants, said Dave McKee, public works director.
‘Our recent tests have come back squeaky clean,” McKee said.
Township water aquifers are from 125-200 feet deep, which protects them, he said.
‘Our northern wells are far away from gas stations,? Kittle said.
In the south part of the township, however, wells with untreated water can be contaminated by gas plumes or contamination that seep deeper and spread, he said.
‘Plumes move,? Kittle added.
The township’s legal council is investigating legal action against polluters, to recover costs if and when the township or residents are harmed.
Kittle also requested talks with MDEQ representatives, and directed the fire department to do whatever it takes to identify and address such threats.
‘We have asked for help and a partnership with the DEQ to address our concerns,? he said.
Gas stations keep their own records and self report, a system he finds troublesome.
‘We can no longer take their word that what is reported is correct,? Kittle said. ‘I told our fire department I don’t care what it costs ? I want these stations, and others with underground tanks, monitored.?
Independence Township Fire Chief Mitch Petterson said the department is working towards identifying a plan to overseeing stations and identifying leaks.
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said he has full faith in Kittle’s actions to acknowledge water and pollution issues in Independence Township.
“One of our most precious resource is water, ? Patterson said. ‘Leaders must protect this resource. People need to be aware of who represents them, and what they are doing as they pass laws. We must be more selective of who we allow to represent us. It seems some leaders don’t have the interest in the importance of their duties. All they do is drawing checks.”
Change is needed from the top down, he added.
“Those who made such grave errors as in Flint, have not resigned, but they should,” Patterson said. ‘Actions taken to protect the community is what true leaders do.?