Toxic Wells Discovered Near Michigan Shoe Manufacturer’s Headquarters
ROCKFORD, Mich. – Disturbing reports reveal the presence of toxic chemicals in wells near the headquarters of a renowned western Michigan shoe manufacturer. The discovery comes years after the company, Wolverine Worldwide, dredged and transferred river sediment from a leather-processing tannery. Contaminated wells have been found in Courtland Township, nearby the company’s Rockford headquarters, affecting at least 27 properties.
Wolverine Worldwide’s use of a 3M Co. waterproofing product, known as PFAS or forever chemicals, has been a point of contention. Lawsuits regarding land and well contamination in the Rockford area have already been settled. However, this recent development highlights the extent of the issue.
Matt McCannon, the elected supervisor of Courtland Township, expressed concerns about the situation, stating that they are still working to determine the extent of the contamination and the best course of action. Again, Wolverine’s association with the toxic substances has raised questions about the company’s responsibility and the need for remedial actions.
Wolverine Worldwide addressed the issue by sharing a statement online. According to the company, they had obtained state approval to occasionally dredge sediment from the Rogue River in front of their former tannery, in order to maintain the proper operation of their water intake pipes. The sediment was then placed on their headquarters property during the 1980s and early 2000s. Wolverine has committed to actively identifying and delineating the contaminated sediment and will collaborate with state regulators to determine the necessary steps going forward.
Janet Washburn, a resident affected by the contaminated well, expressed her concerns about the impact on her health. The water from her well greatly exceeds the state’s threshold for risky chemicals. Washburn had already battled kidney cancer and faced other health problems. The Kent County health department has provided affected residents with kitchen water filters in an effort to alleviate the immediate risks posed by the contaminated water.
PFAS, the harmful chemicals in question, were used in the production of Scotchgard, a waterproofing product manufactured by 3M. Wolverine, renowned for brands such as Hush Puppies, Merrell, Keds, Saucony, and Chaco, has been associated with the use of these chemicals. Various settlements have been reached in recent years, including a $69.5 million deal in 2019 that involved extending public water to areas in northern Kent County affected by PFAS-laced sludge dumped by Wolverine. Furthermore, a separate $54 million settlement was reached in 2022 involving 3M, Wolverine, and the owners of 1,700 properties in the county.
As the situation unfolds, it remains crucial to address the contamination issue and initiate remedial actions promptly. The health and well-being of the affected residents must be prioritized, while also holding accountable those responsible for the release of the harmful chemicals into the environment.
