Toxic Chemical Spill in the Huron River
As of August 2 nd , the State of Michigan is advising people to avoid the Huron River downstream of the city of Wixom. Chemicals from Tribar Technologies, an auto supply factory manufacturing chrome plating, were accidentally released into the sewer system, which discharges into the Huron River. The release of several thousand gallons of Hexavalent chromium, was discovered by Tribar on August 1 st; however, they indicated that the spill could have occurred as early as Saturday morning, July 30 th . Hexavalent chromium, or hex chrome, is a carcinogenic chemical used in plastic finishing. It can cause numerous health problems through inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion. Because it is so hazardous, companies generally use other harmful chemicals such as PFAS or “forever chemicals” to coat plating baths to help protect workers from chromium inhalation. The Huron River runs through multiple counties before flowing into Lake Erie. Ann Arbor is the largest city on its banks,