Until 1968, wastewater from plant processes, some of which involved chlorinated organic solvents, was disposed of on-site in seepage pits and into the south branch of Ruddiman Creek. Since 1968, the wastes have been separated out so that only cooling water is discharged into the creek. Ruddiman Creek flows into Muskegon Lake, which is used for recreational activities and is connected to Lake Michigan. The company continues to operate. Process wastes are removed by waste haulers, discharged to the sanitary sewer, or discharged to two on-site lined ponds.
Solids settle out in the ponds, with the water piped to the sanitary sewer.
This site is being addressed through State, and potentially responsible parties' actions. The sludge contains chromium, copper, lead, and nickel. On-site soil also contained these contaminants. Soils were investigated in 1994. The need for additional investigatory work off-site is anticipated.