Overview:

-Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel sues two automotive suppliers.
-Tribar discharged toxic hexavalent chromium into the Huron River in 2022.
-“When companies cut corners or violate these protections, my office will use every tool available to hold them accountable and ensure proper cleanup and compliance," Nessel says.

by KYLE DAVIDSON
Michigan Advance

The Michigan Department of Attorney General on Friday announced a lawsuit against two Wixom-based automotive supply companies alleging the suppliers racked up a number of air and water pollution violations. 

In the suit, Attorney General Dana Nessel alleges Tribar Technologies Inc. and Adept Plastic Finishing Inc. violated the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act on multiple occasions, including Tribar’s 2022 discharge of toxic hexavalent chromium into the Huron River through Wixom’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The suit further alleges the companies failed to comply with permitting requirements, and repeatedly violated water and air pollution standards.

While the two companies have since closed their Wixom facilities, Nessel’s suit argues stormwater laden with PFOS, another contaminant, continues to discharge from the two sites.

“Michigan’s environmental laws exist to protect the air we breathe and the water we use from toxic chemicals,” Nessel said in a statement. “When companies cut corners or violate these protections, my office will use every tool available to hold them accountable and ensure proper cleanup and compliance.”

Alongside civil penalties, Nessel aims to require the companies to clean up the contamination. She is also seeking penalties under the Michigan Business Corporation Act, arguing Tribar lacks the necessary certificate of authority to operate in Michigan.

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