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Flood raises fears of pollution at Michigan toxic waste site

The Tittabawassee River flows past Dow Chemical Co.'s headquarters plant.

Credit: AP

A look at the Sanford Dam on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. After the Edenville Dam failed and the Tittabawassee River flooded surrounding areas, many residents were urged to leave their homes and to brace themselves for the possibility of the Sanford Dam to collapsing. Water flowed over the top of it through the night, but the structure is still in place. (Kaytie Boomer/The Bay City Times via AP)

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — A massive flood is raising fears of setbacks in a hazardous waste cleanup along a central Michigan river.

Floodwaters overwhelmed two dams this week, chasing 11,000 people from their homes in or near Midland.

The Tittabawassee River flows past Dow Chemical Co.'s headquarters plant, which for years produced dioxins.

The highly toxic compounds were dumped into the river, where they became embedded in sediments and floodplains.

Dow has been cleaning up the area since 2007 and has made considerable progress.

The company says its projects survived a flood three years ago. But some scientists and activists fear this week's flood could sweep the toxins downstream.

Flooding, dam breaches in Midland County

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110th Wing

Dam break along the Tittabawassee River in Edenville, Mich. on May 20, 2020. Michigan National Guard units from Bay City, Saginaw, Port Huron, and other nearby communities have responded to a request for assistance following massive flooding in the Midland area resulting from the breach of the Edenville and Sanford Dams. The Michigan State Police (MSP) requested the units to provide assistance evacuating Midland area residents. Approximately 130 Soldiers and more than 40 specialized vehicles arrived in the area to provide assistance. The National Guard began missions Wednesday, May 20, at 4 a.m., evacuating citizens, augmenting emergency planners, and preparing logistical support. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Scott Thompson)

More Midland County Flooding coverage on 13 ON YOUR SIDE:

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