Dow Chemical Co. has agreed to an estimated $77 million
settlement for environmental restoration projects in mid-Michigan to compensate
for wildlife destruction caused by the Midland-based chemical manufacturer.
The settlement, announced Friday and subject to public
comment and approval, would "compensate the public for injuries to natural
resources," according to a news release from the United States Attorney's
Office Eastern District of Michigan.
Dow, which merged with Wilmington, Del.-based DuPont Co. in
2017, has agreed on settlement terms with the state of Michigan and the Saginaw
Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan.
Federal, state and tribal agencies filed complaints alleging
that Dow released dioxin-related compounds and other substances that "adversely
affected fish, invertebrates, birds and mammals," and led to restrictions
on hunting, fishing and use of public parks, the release said.
The Dow plant released dioxins and other hazardous
substances into rivers and their watersheds for decades after opening in 1897.
As part of the reparations, the company agreed to pay for
and implement eight natural resource restoration projects throughout Midland,
Saginaw and Bay counties.
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