Gelman Sciences Dioxane Project;
Ann Arbor, MI

Site Background

From the years 1966 through 1986 Gelman Sciences Inc. (GSI), located on Wagner Road in Ann Arbor, MI, used the chemical 1,4-dioxane in the manufacturing of medical filters. Throughout this time period various methods of disposal and waste handling of the 1,4-dioxane were used. In 1985 the first offsite contamination of private drinking water supplies was discovered. Investigations during 1986 identified soil contamination on the GSI property and four areas of groundwater contamination that extended off the property. Upon discovery of the contamination three major aquifers in the area were identified and designated as Unit C3 (Core Area), Unit D0 (Western System), and Unit D2 (Evergreen System). Click here for maps of the contamination. In 1997 the Pall Corporation acquired GSI. The company’s name was changed to Pall/Gelman Sciences, Inc., and then changed again, in 2001, to Pall Life Sciences (PLS). Also in 2001, contamination in the deeper Unit E Aquifer was discovered. Due to the complex geology in the area of the PLS property contamination has been widespread. Currently remediation efforts are being undertaken. To see more detail on the contamination click on the links below.

Unit C3 (Core Area)
Unit D0 (Western System)
Unit D2 (Evergreen System)
Unit E Aquifer