The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began removing hazardous materials from private property in Leland, Michigan, according to an official announcement. The agency is working in coordination with Leland Township Fire and Rescue, Leelanau County Emergency Management, Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
Officials advise local residents to be aware of increased truck traffic and to stay clear of workers in the area. EPA-conducted air monitoring to date shows no indication of harmful levels of potential air hazards.
On March 24, EPA assistance was requested by Leelanau County and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to respond to leaking containers of calcium carbide on private property. EPA arrived the same day and found at least six 250-pound drums of calcium carbide inside an old pole barn in the backyard of the property. Calcium carbide is an industrial chemical that creates a potentially flammable and explosive gas called acetylene when combined with water. EPA worked with the local hazmat team to restrict access to the area.
In addition to immediately conducting air monitoring, EPA will remove and properly dispose of the hazardous material drums and any other materials identified as hazardous from the site. During this emergency cleanup, EPA will secure the site to prevent unauthorized entry and conduct air monitoring to protect workers and neighboring communities. While work is ongoing, the fire department will be on-site in case assistance with cleanup is needed.
For more information about this response or ongoing updates regarding hazardous material removal efforts in Leland, visit the official roster page.
