Ann Arbor residents can breathe easier after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) secured a settlement with Gelman Sciences LLC to clean a toxic groundwater plume that has threatened the city’s water supply for years. The agreement, announced by EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel, sets a clear timeline for removing and rehabilitating contaminated soil and groundwater within a three‑by‑one‑mile area that stretches across Ann Arbor and neighboring Scio Township.
What happened
From 1963 to 1986, Gelman Sciences manufactured medical filters and discharged wastewater containing the “forever chemical” 1,4‑dioxane into nearby ponds. The chemical does not break down naturally, has a faint odor, and is a suspected carcinogen that can damage the liver and kidneys with chronic exposure. Over time, the contaminant migrated into the groundwater beneath private wells, forcing many homeowners to abandon their wells and connect to municipal water lines.
In March 2026, after being nominated to the National Priorities List in 2021, the site was officially added to the EPA’s Superfund list. The designation triggered a federal response to protect public health and the environment.
Settlement details
Under the settlement, Gelman Sciences is required to:
- Implement a long‑term plan to excavate and treat contaminated soil.
- Deploy groundwater extraction and treatment systems to remove 1,4‑dioxane.
- Monitor water quality throughout the remediation process and report results to the EPA.
- Restore the aquifer to safe drinking‑water standards, ensuring that families can once again rely on private wells if they choose.
Vogel praised the rapid action, stating, “Since adding the Gelman Sciences site to the National Priorities List in March, EPA has moved quickly to put strong oversight and clear expectations in place. This order provides a focused path for accelerating critical work to protect residents and advance long‑term aquifer restoration, demonstrating EPA’s commitment to delivering effective and timely Superfund cleanups.”
Impact on local families
The contamination forced the city to shut down one of its municipal wells and compelled dozens of households to switch to city water. Many families, especially those with young children, expressed concern about the health risks of long‑term exposure to 1,4‑dioxane. The settlement promises a return to safe, clean water, a cornerstone of strong, traditional families and a healthy community.
Local officials have welcomed the EPA’s decisive action, noting that the cleanup aligns with Michigan’s broader commitment to protecting natural resources and ensuring safe drinking water for all residents.
What’s next
Gelman Sciences will begin remediation work later this year, with regular progress updates submitted to the EPA. The agency will continue to oversee the project, conducting independent testing to verify that water quality meets federal standards before any wells are reopened.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed through city communications and EPA public notices. The partnership between federal regulators and the responsible company illustrates how government oversight can safeguard families, uphold constitutional rights to a safe environment, and preserve the health of our neighborhoods.
Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.
