Ann Arbor groundwater contamination addressed by WSU geology faculty member

On the west side of Ann Arbor, Michigan, an industrial solvent called 1,4-dioxane has entered the groundwater and migrated more than 1.5 km in different directions through multiple aquifer horizons.

1,4-dioxane is an organic compound that has been identified as a probable carcinogen and is completely miscible in water. Consequently, it can move readily through aquifer systems along with the natural flow of groundwater. WSU hydrogeologist Larry Lemke has recently completed an analysis of contamination from the site that is moving eastward under the city of Ann Arbor, potentially threatening one of the city's drinking water supply wells and the Huron River.

At the request of Scio Residents for Safe Water (SRSW) and the City of Ann Arbor, Dr. Lemke provided consulting services through the Technical Outreach Services for Communities (TOSC) program administered through Michigan State University.