Just last week, we reported that officials were looking at 35 potential sites in Kent County, as a result of shoemaker Wolverine Worldwide’s disposing of toxic chemicals in unprotected dump sites. Many local residents are worried that the extent of the groundwater contamination is worse than initially expected. Sadly, that appears to be the case, as Wood TV 8 and other news outlets are reporting that the number of potential Wolverine Worldwide dump sites is now 57.
The increased count of Wolverine Worldwide dump sites was confirmed by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Although not all site locations have been released to the public, it’s being reported that the new locations include a pond at Belmont’s Rogue River Park, near Wolverine Worldwide’s House St. dump site. The park has long been a popular destination for residents, raising concern among those who regularly used the park for swimming and fishing.
“My first thought was I wonder if that’s what caused all the cancers in my family because our whole family has cancers,” said Joyce Jones in an interview with Wood TV 8. According to the article, Jones grew up near the park, and she and her family swam in the pond years ago.
This news came just hours after it was reported that the House St. at Imperial Pine St. site was being temporarily halted. While cleanup efforts were underway to remove waste from the dump site, work was stopped when the Republic Services landfills located in Pierson Township and Coopersville stated they would no longer accept the contaminated waste.
“It didn’t occur to me that they were bringing it here, and I don’t know why they were bringing it here when they’ve got a landfill in their own backyard,” Supervisor Brian Longcore told Wood TV 8. “They can haul that stuff someplace else.”
Cleanup crews at the House Street location say there is at least a week of work to still complete. They are currently awaiting confirmation from the Autumn Hills Recycling and Disposal Facility near Zeeland to use their facilities.
Wexler Wallace is currently investigating claims regarding the contaminated groundwater sites. If you are a resident of the affected area and have suffered injury or property damage due to PFAS exposure, contact us to discuss your potential claim.
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