burrows sanitation

ME1/4 SEC10 R16W T3S

The Burrows Sanitation site comprises approximately 10 acres. The site is located on 54th Avenue on the far northeast side of Hartford, Michigan. From 1970 to 1977, the 15-acre Burrows site was used for the disposal of plating sludges, waste coolants, and oils. Wastes were dumped into six unlined lagoons and at other spill areas on the site. The lagoons overflowed during heavy rains. Groundwater samples showed contamination; however, private water wells were not contaminated. In 1984, the Burrows Group, a group consisting of the owners and three firms that disposed of wastes at the site, excavated contaminated soils and sludges from the four disposal areas. Orchards are located within the site boundaries; wildlife is often found on the property. Two wetland areas are located on the edges of the site. These areas are interconnected and are drained by the Doyle Drain, a canal that flows along the edge of the site. A berm is located to the north of the disposal area to prevent site runoff from directly entering Doyle Drain, which enters the Paw Paw River 0.75 mile from the site. The river is used for sport fishing. Approximately 150 people live within one mile of the site and obtain water from private wells.