FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 8/9/22
CONTACTS:
Sarah Tresedder, sarah.tresedder@sierraclub.org, (906) 869-4167
Sean McBrearty, smcbrearty@cleanwater.org
Environmental Groups, Local Businesses, and Elected Officials Demand Polluters Pay for Toxic Spill in Huron River
Milford, MI - On Wednesday, August 10th, local activists, politicians, and business owners will join environmental groups to demand that the company responsible for the release of toxic pollution into the Huron River, Tribar Technologies, be made to pay for damages and clean up of any contaminated waterways. The company has a history of discharging toxic chemicals, including PFAS, into local water systems.
When: Wednesday, August 10th, 12 PM EST
Where: Heavner Canoe Rental (2775 Garden Rd, Milford MI, 48381)
Zoom Registration Link (to join virtually): https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pc9UbAcsTxKIE-rgZwtqBg
Speakers:
Sean McBrearty, Clean Water Action
Tiffany Stewart, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter
Bruce & Alan Heavner, Heavner Canoe & Kayak Rental
Rep. Yousef Rabhi, House Minority Leader
Hon. Dave Woodward, Chair, Oakland County Commission
Who:
Sierra Club Michigan Chapter
Sierra Club Crossroads Group
Clean Water Action
Environmental Council of Huron Valley
Why:
Environmental organizations, along with local business owners and politicians, are calling on Michigan lawmakers and EGLE to hold Tribar Technologies accountable for their actions. For decades, businesses like Heavner Canoe & Kayak Rental and activist groups like the Environmental Council of Huron Valley have kept the Huron River clean and safe for communities to use recreationally and for drinking water. In order to keep our waterways protected, corporations must be held accountable when they release dangerous pollutants. Strong polluter pay laws are needed in Michigan to prevent future contamination of lakes, rivers, and streams that communities and businesses rely on.
In 1995, former Governor John Engler eliminated Michigan’s polluter pay law, once one of the strongest in the nation. Since that time, much of the costs for cleaning up corporate pollution spills has been put onto Michigan taxpayers. An updated version of Michigan’s polluter pay law has been introduced in the House and Senate by Rep. Yousef Rabhi and Senator Jeff Irwin for the past three years but has yet to receive a hearing.