chem central

2940 STAFFORD AVE SW

The Chem Central site is located in Wyoming, Kent County, Michigan. Since 1957, Chem Central has distributed industrial chemicals from this two acre site. Between 1957 and 1962, hazardous wastes entered the ground at the facility through a construction flaw in a pipe used to transfer liquids between rail cars and bulk storage tanks. The flaw was repaired after losses were noted in chemical inventories. In 1977, the state found the toxic contaminants (volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and chlorinated solvents) in sediments in a ditch, located 1,000 feet from the site. The state dammed the ditch and restricted access by fencing and posting signs. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) excavated sludge from the ditch in 1978 and with state assistance continued to sample soil and groundwater that seeped into a pit. A 1984 state court order required Chem Central to clean up the groundwater and remove contaminated soils from the ditch. The site is located in an industrial area. Approximately 15,000 people live within one mile of the site. The nearest residence is within one-tenth mile from the site. All residences are connected to the Grand Rapids municipal water supply which draws water from Lake Michigan and the Grand River. Surface water runoff from the site drains into Cole Drain which also drains other industrial sites nearby. Cole Drain flows into Plaster Creek which is located one-half mile north of the site.