Michigan's battle against environmental contaminants took a significant step forward with the announcement of a settlement involving Domtar Industries, LLC, and E.B. Eddy Paper, Inc., entities linked to PFAS contamination at a composting site near Port Huron. According to a press release from the state's Attorney General, Dana Nessel, per the Michigan Department of Attorney General, the agreement was filed after a lawsuit was launched in December 2022, aiming to directly address the disposal of harmful substances at the Techni-Comp, Inc. site.
Under the terms of this settlement, Domtar has agreed to the removal of compost piles contaminated with PFAS, disposing of the material in a licensed landfill. Moreover, they are tasked with the investigation of PFAS in sediments and in surface waters at the site. "I started the PFAS Litigation project in 2020 to bring relief to communities impacted by PFAS contamination, and this settlement is another step in the right direction,” Nessel said, as per the Michigan Department of Attorney General. “It reflects my commitment to protecting the public and Michigan's natural resources. My office will continue to pursue that goal, whether through the courts or cooperative efforts."
The Consent Decree validated by the 31st Circuit Court mandates a $300,000 payment from Domtar to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to fund further response activities. Furthermore, Domtar will cover the state's past oversight costs, including attorney fees, related to the case. Abigail Hendershott, executive director of the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART), lauded the settlement, stating, via the Attorney General's Office, “This is the most recent example of the positive outcomes reached through the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team’s continued partnership with the Attorney General’s office. Attorney General Nessel’s PFAS Litigation project has assisted MPART in addressing PFAS contamination at several sites across the state. These actions help protect our communities from forever chemicals and we look forward to additional positive results from the cases that are still pending."
