Midland, MI - July 13, 2007
The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) and Region V, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials have agreed on the final terms of EPA proposed Consent Orders directing Dow to remove contaminated soil and sediments from three sites in and along the first six miles of the Tittabawassee River downstream of Dow’s Midland Operations Site. The removal activities are to be completed by the end of 2007.
Commenting on the agreements, Dow’s vice president of Environment, Health and Safety, David Graham, said, “Our commitment to comply with the terms of these agreements with EPA is no different than our commitment to resolve the overall mid-Michigan furan/dioxin situation –we are pursuing an end result, in as timely a manner as possible, that is protective of human health, the environment and the well being of people and communities in the area.”
The furan and dioxin-contaminated soils and sediments in and along the Tittabawassee River are the result of historic Dow manufacturing operations. The areas included in the Consent Orders were identified late last year during a Dow investigation of the nature and extent of contamination in local soils and river sediments in accordance with requirements of Dow’s Hazardous Waste Operating License (issued by the State of Michigan in 2003 under authority granted by the EPA).
About Dow
Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of innovation, science and technology to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company offers a broad range of products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $49 billion and employs 43,000 people worldwide. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.
For Editorial Information:
Jennifer Heronema
The Dow Chemical Company
989-636-9142
jheronema@dow.com
John C. Musser
(989) 636-5663 (O)
Fax: (989) 620-0558 (Cell)
jmusser@dow.com
