A plume of contaminated groundwater that is six miles long and up to one and a half miles wide is moving toward the Cedar River which is a source of drinking water for the Northern Michigan town of Mancelona, AP reports.
The water contains high levels of trichloroethylene (TCE) which was used to degrease machinery at a factory operated by Mount Clemens Industries Inc. from 1947-1967. In those days workers disposed of chemicals by dumping them on the ground.
TCE is linked to nervous system and organ damage and the state has spent more than $14 million to address the contamination.
Along the contaminated stretch of water, state officials have transferred the use of well water to municipal water for 200 homes, 400 condominium units and the resorts. Now the municipal water supply is threatened because much of it comes from the Cedar River.
TCE has already been discovered in those waters at levels considered safe for people to drink but DEQ tests indicate that in 10 years or less, levels will rise to the point that the water becomes harmful.