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NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS: EPA investigates site of Melvindale, Mich. emergency evacuation

Release Date: 10/22/2007
Contact Information: Mick Hans, 312-353-5050, [email protected] Karen Thompson, 312 353-8547, [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 07-OPA187

CHICAGO (Oct. 22, 2007) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has launched a follow-up investigation of the Reilly Plating/M-Lok facility in Melvindale, Mich. A hydrochloric acid release from the facility on Oct. 16 required a multi-agency emergency response and temporary evacuation of nearly 3,000 area residents. The facility is about 10 miles southwest of downtown Detroit.

The company settled a case with EPA for incomplete Toxic Release Inventory recordkeeping in August 2000, paying a fine of $9,415.

The investigation is being coordinated with MDEQ and Melvindale officials.