Since Ox Paperboard began operating the White Pigeon Mill in St. Joseph County in June 2020, EGLE has issued the paper company seven violation notices for improperly discharging PFAS-contaminated wastewater. Despite the repeated violation notices, the lawsuit alleges Ox Paperboard has continued to violate Michigan’s statutes prohibiting harmful discharges into waters of the State, and has further failed to properly close wastewater lagoons on the mill property.
Nessel’s complaint seeks proper closure of the wastewater lagoons; an end to Ox Paperboard’s unauthorized discharges to the waters of the State; and civil fines, costs, and damages associated with the violations and the expense to the State to enforce the law.
“As attorney general, I have prioritized protecting Michigan’s environment and holding polluters accountable,” said Nessel. “When companies operating in Michigan fail to respect our laws and our communities, our Department will not hesitate to use its full authority under the law to defend our public health and our natural resources. It is unacceptable for companies like Ox Paperboard to pollute Michigan’s precious water and put the health and safety of Michigan families at risk.”
“Every resident across the State deserves clean air, safe water, and a healthy community, including being protected against toxic contaminants like PFAS,” said Phil Roos, director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. “We are committed to enforcing Michigan’s statutes prohibiting harmful PFAS discharges into waters of the State and EGLE is committed to stopping these discharges and holding this company accountable.”
Additional information about Nessel’s work on PFAS litigation can be found online at www.michigan.gov/ag/initiatives/pfas-contamination.
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