Ryfiak and his ex-wife, Beatriz are raising their three kids at the home on House St. NE. After having their well tested, they've found dangerously high levels of PFAS chemicals once used to scotchguard shoes.
The waste is in addition to two already known illegal dump sites in the area.
Waste sludge from the Rockford-based global footwear company's tannery was dumped into unlined trenches and lagoons during the 1960s. The waste is blamed for high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in area groundwater.
The family has signed on as one of at least 75 clients at Varnum Law, threatening legal action against Wolverine. They're demanding clean drinking water and long-term medical monitoring.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
