Chemical found leaching out from under Livonia Ford plant

Groundwater being tested in nearby neighborhood

LIVONIA, Mich. – Ford Motor Company is assuring everyone there is nothing to worry about near its transmission plant in Livonia. 

The doors in the Alden Village subdivision have been getting a workout this week. Ford went around putting out flyers alerting everyone to expect to see drilling rigs starting Monday. The rigs will be boring holes into the pavement and grass. The long-dormant subdivision association issued a meeting announcement for Saturday and taped the flyers to doors. 

The subdivision sits right next to the Ford Livonia Transmission plant, which is where chemicals found in the ground came from. Carol Hebert and her husband Doug have lived in the neighborhood for nearly 50 years. Doug retired from the plant. This recent activity is a bit unnerving. 

"I don't know. I really don't know," said Carol Hebert. "I mean, Ford's been a good provider for us -- our bread and butter."

The concern is over a chemical leaching into the groundwater. It's pushing eastward underground from the plant. The state identifies it as vinyl chloride, which is a de-greasing agent. The chemical was spilled or poured down drains probably about 30 years ago. 

"You get afraid because of what you hear about in Flint, and we have Detroit water so we shouldn't be worried. But then again, who knows," said Hebert. 

The neighborhood used to be farmland. Many residents have gardens, and that has some concerned. 

"My neighbor grows a garden and he's worried that it may affect the produce he wants to grow this year," said Hebert. 

Ford released this statement on Friday:

"Ford is committed to the health and safety of the Livonia community and ensuring its properties meet all environmental requirement for land use. All samples collected to date show no health risk to residents, and drinking water is not at risk."

 


About the Author:

Rod Meloni is an Emmy Award-winning Business Editor on Local 4 News and a Certified Financial Plannerâ„¢ Professional.