Gelman Sciences Dioxane Project;
Ann Arbor, MI

Court Order from Washtenaw County Courthouse
Donald Shelton, Circuit Judge; December 17, 2004

Pall Life Sciences, Inc., formerly Gelman Sciences Inc, is located on Wagner Road in Ann Arbor, MI, Washtenaw County. PLS used the solvent 1,4-dioxane in the manufacture of medical filters from the years of 1966 through 1986. Mishandling and various disposal methods caused the release of the compound into the environment and subsequently into the groundwater underlying the Facility. The contaminant has since migrated with the groundwater to cover a widespread area. Pall Life Sciences is currently performing groundwater remediation of 1,4-dioxane in aquifers underlying Scio Township, west of Ann Arbor, and underlying the city of Ann Arbor, Michigan. PLS is also examining various treatment methods, including the injection of various oxidizing agents into the aquifer. These methods are described further by following the “Documents” link on the left.

1,4-dioxane is an organic solvent that is most often used as a stabilizer in chlorinated solvents. The compound 1,4-dioxane is completely soluble in water and is held together by strong bonds that prevent it from breaking down readily in groundwater. Toxicity testing has determined that high doses of 1,4-dioxane cause cancer in mice. It is presumed to be a human carcinogen through long-term exposure to low doses.

The TOSC Program at Michigan State University has been asked to provide technical assistance to Ann Arbor-area citizens regarding the remediation of 1,4-dioxane in the groundwater. TOSC met with Scio Residents for Safe Water (SRSW) and City Officials of Ann Arbor, MI to assess community concerns and discuss TOSC's involvement. TOSC has developed a Memorandum of Agreement, which has been signed jointly by SRSW, Ann Arbor officials and TOSC.