HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – A conflict similar to the plot of the movie "Erin Brockovich" is unfolding right here in Metro Detroit.
It involves people who worked at and live near the long-idled Chrome Craft Plant in Highland Park.
Leon Walton has lived in his Highland Park home for more than 20 years. The idled Chrome Craft Plant in the 300 block of Midland Street is right in his backyard.
"They've been here since 1971. That's a long time," said Walton.
Concerns over alleged toxic waste emitted from the plant have been mounting for years. At issue is a chemical used to coat bumpers at the plant called hexavalent chromium. It is the same chemical substance that contaminated a small California town. It was an environmental case that put Erin Brockovich in the national spotlight.
The Chrome Craft Plant, which is owned by an Illinois billionaire, is said to have been cited numerous times for the way it disposed hazardous water.
"I know a few years back they had them back there cleaning up," said Walton.
Now there is a renewed sense of urgency to test the soil and water around the plant.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality heard from concerned residents Thursday evening at Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church located in the 300 block of LaBelle Street.
"We take these things seriously. We want to respond to the communities and we want to do the right thin, so here we are," said Paul Owens, of DEQ.
The state agreed to soil and water testing after testimony Thursday night. Dozens of residents showed up to express health concerns about the area. Those who worked at the plant shared stories of hazardous spills and illegal dumping. Many claim the violations likely contaminated the water and soil and put lives at risk.
"It gives me a good feeling to see that something seems to start being done about it," said Lynisha Oliver, who believes her family has been sickened by the plant.
The state plans to being testing the water and soil in the area in the next couple of weeks.
-- Those who worked at the plant shared stories of hazardous spills and illegal dumping.
-- The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality heard from concerned residents Thursday evening at Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church located in the 300 block of LaBelle Street.