Michigan Issues Emergency Rules To Clean Up Toxic Chemical Underneath Ann Arbor

ANN ARBOR (AP) - Michigan's environmental protection department has created stricter exposure criteria for a toxic chemical, citing concerns about a dangerous chemical plume that has been spreading underneath Ann Arbor and Scio Township for decades.

The state Department of Environmental Quality issued a "finding of emergency" Thursday that establishes a lower threshold to initiate a chemical cleanup than rules created in 2002. The emergency is effective immediately and will last for six months.

Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor said Thursday that the city intends to go to court to work out cleanup at the former Gelman Sciences site. He said the new standards enable the city to take important steps.

Department director Heidi Grether says the move was prompted by concern that vapors from a chemical called 1,4-Dioxane could intrude into nearby residences. She says there isn't a severe threat currently.

© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.