Toxic Chemical Leaked into Huron River in Michigan

A toxic chemical release has lead to “Avoid contact” warnings along the Huron River in Michigan.

Tribar Manufacturing, a chrome plating factory in Wixom, released thousands of gallons of liquid containing hexavalent chromium into the local sewer system. The sewer feeds into the Wixom Wastewater Treatment Plant, which then discharges into the Huron River.

The company says they discovered the release of the carcinogenic chemical on Monday, but that it may have been releasing since Saturday morning.

The “Avoid contact” warning along the river now stretches from North Wixom Road in Oakland County to Kensington Road in Livingston County. This includes Kent Lake, a popular recreational spot along the Huron. A handful of boats and paddleboarders were still out on the lake this evening.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy put out a news release about the situation Tuesday afternoon. This notice was posted in Milford’s Central Park, which closed off access along the affected area of the river today.