Ford Motor Co. Testing The Groundwater Around Livonia Transmission Plant

Ford Motor Company is testing the groundwater in Livonia, Michigan, after comparatively high concentrations of the cancer-causing agent vinyl chloride were discovered in the vicinity of the automaker’s local transmission plant.

Ford Motor made an announcement Wednesday, according to The Detroit News, in which the automaker stated that the chemical compound was found some 7-feet below ground level on the east side of the transmission plant, and poses no threat to residents. Livonia’s drinking water is unaffected as it comes from the city of Detroit.

Nevertheless, the city of Flint, Michigan made recent headlines following the discovery that its drinking water has been heavily contaminated over the past two years. In light of this, Ford Motor Company doesn’t want to take any chances; the automaker plans to conduct extensive testing in the area. Ford sent out a letter to 110 nearby Livonia residents, part of which read: “This work is simply in an abundance of caution after a chemical — vinyl chloride — from past, historic manufacturing processes was identified in underground water (at depths of seven feet and greater) while making upgrades at the plant. Ford will be aggressive in investigating this and taking steps to mitigate, if needed, to continue our deep commitment and track record of being environmentally responsible and sustainable.”

The vinyl chloride discovered is thought to have come from trichloroethylene – a chemical degreaser used at the plant until the 1980s. Livonia has hired an independent consultant to appraise the veracity of Ford Motor Company’s claims, but the city has yet to discover “anything that would lead us to believe the information provided isn’t correct,” said Livonia’s Director of Administrative Services Dave Varga.