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Michigan flood displaces thousands, threatens Superfund site

Posted at 5:38 AM, May 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-21 08:56:25-04

MIDLAND, Mich. — Floodwaters that overtook dams and forced the evacuation of about 10,000 people in Central Michigan now threaten a Dow Superfund site and downstream communities.

The Tittabawassee River crested in Dow's hometown of Midland Wednesday at just over 35 feet, about 3 feet under what officials previously forecasted.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had warned the city could end up under about 9 feet of water by Wednesday evening.

Dow says floodwater has begun mixing with on-site containment ponds, prompting the company and U.S. Coast Guard to activate emergency plans.

A city official says no one has been reported hurt or killed in the flooding.

Whitmer says the state will investigate the operators of the Edenville and Sanford dams.