Citizens and environmental groups sharply criticized a proposed dioxin agreement between Dow Chemical and the Granholm Administration announced in January because it fails to deliver a cleanup of dioxin contamination in the Saginaw Bay basin, and it derails dioxin cleanup timelines previously promised by the DEQ. It fails to comply with the Dioxin Cleanup Guidelines submitted to the Granholm Administration by environmentalists in late December.

Q Will the final cleanup goal result in rivers we can swim in, fish in, and know are safe as drinking water sources?

A At this time, there is no comprehensive cleanup plan. There are initial "Interim Response Activities (IRAs)" to cover up, not remove, the dioxin contamination in limited areas in Midland and along the Tittabawassee River and vague plans for continued investigation.

Q Will the public have a direct role in ensuring a comprehensive cleanup is undertaken?

A The document states, "The specific processes for keeping stakeholders informed of significant developments and for gathering the input…have not yet been determined."

Q Will the cleanup begin immediately? Are the most contaminated areas being cleaned up first? What's the specific cleanup schedule?

A There is no specific cleanup schedule. The "Interim Response Activities" for Midland Area Soils and along the Tittabawassee River are to be completed by December 31, 2005. It's not known when a final remedy will deal with the rest.

Q Will Michigan's lawful dioxin cleanup standard of 90 parts per trillion (ppt) be used? What scientific basis exists for using a less protective standard?

A No, Michigan's lawful standard of 90 ppt will not be used. The action criterion is the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry action level of 1,000 ppt. The framework states Dow may petition for site-specific dioxin criteria after its bioavailability study results are available.

Q Will contaminated soils and sediments be removed using methods and procedures that ensure dioxin will not be reintroduced into our neighborhoods by the next major flood event?

A The framework does not refer to removal of contaminated soils or sediments.

Q Will the framework agreement be legally enforceable? What impact will it have on other existing cleanup agreements between Dow and the state? What are the consequences if either party fails to comply with the agreement?

A The framework is not an enforceable document; the fall-back is still the existing permit and potential litigation.

Q Will the cleanup agreement protect economic growth, public enjoyment and sustainable riverfront development into the future? Or is it a short-term fix that leaves pollution behind for future generations to deal with?

A This is not known.

Dow Chemical Company has made it clear it desires finality for future government claims for cleanup, including for the Saginaw River and Bay.

The citizens of Michigan deserve a cleanup that results in fishable, swimmable rivers, and backyards and parks where children can safely play. Too many people have been hurt already. This has gone on long enough.