Project Progress & History

To date Dow has requested access to 1683 residential, residential like and non-residential properties. Once access is granted Dow will sample the property and test the soil for dioxin TEQ. Results of the testing will be communicated to property owners.

If the soil tests less than or equal to 250 ppt no additional work will be required.
If the soil tests above 250 ppt TEQ Dow will develop a plan with the property owner for removal of 12 inches of soil, replacement with clean soil and new landscaping. Upon agreement with the property owner Dow will complete the work.

Current project status as of October 13, 2014 is described below.

Access Agreements: 97%

To date, Dow has obtained 1635 access agreements out of a total of 1683 properties.

Sampling Progress: 100%

To date, Dow has sampled 1635 properties out of a total of 1635 properties for which we have access agreements.

Remedy Action Progress: 100%

To date, Dow has cleaned up 132 properties out of a total of 132 that tested above 250 ppt.

History of Dioxin Issue in Midland

1983 - 1988	Sampling of dioxin levels in Midland soils (EPA/1983, Dow/1984, 1988) concludes soils are below federal residential clean-up guidance of 1000 ppt.
1984	Dow releases a detailed peer reviewed study on the historic sources of dioxin entitled, "Point Sources and Environmental Levels of 2378-TCDD on the Midland Plant Site of the Dow Chemical Company and in the City of Midland, Michigan." The study includeds 240 samples of soil, water, airborne particles and other samples. None of the samples outside of the Michigan Operations fence line exceeded 1000 ppt. (Nov 5)
1988	EPA report recommends additional sampling of soil, sediment and water. Federal hazardous waste permit includes requirements for sampling plans.
1996	The state became authorized to implement corrective action in Michigan for facilities that manage hazardous waste. Sampling of dioxin levels in Midland Soils (MDEQ/1996, Dow/1998) concludes soils are above the 1995 state criterion of 90 ppt.
2002	The 90 ppt generic state clean-up level for dioxin for residential property is incorporated into regulations.
2003	Hazardous Waste Management Facility Operating Licence requires Dow to address elevated dioxin levels in city of Midland as well as the Dow plant site, Tittabawassee and Saginaw Rivers, and Saginaw Bay.
2004	Dow submits to MDEQ a proposed path forward on the development of site-specific criteria for Midland, which includes soil testing and bioavailability studies.
2006 - 2011	Additional studies conducted to evaluate Midland-specific dioxin and soil characteristics. The soil sampling that was conducted as part of these studies is the basis for the initial Resolution Area.
2010	Changes made to Michigan's clean-up law (Part 201) regarding the "facility" designation allow discussions to move forward.
2012	MDEQ, Dow reach agreement on a proposed plan to resolve dioxin situation for city of Midland Soils.
2012-2014	Dow implementing plan
2016	Dow submits Corrective Action Report to DEQ