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EPA Adds Ann Arbor Gelman Dioxane Plume to Superfund National Priorities List

The designation gives EPA new authority to enforce stronger controls for long‑term remediation.

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The EPA has added an Ann Arbor chemical plume to the Superfund National Priorities list, which is a list of the most contaminated sites in the nation. This designation will allow for the EPA to take stronger control of the plume to reduce migration and ensure uncontaminated areas of aquifer can be used in the future. Pictured is a screenshot of an interactive map from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy that shows historic and current information related to the contamination.

Overview

  • The listing enables federal oversight, funding eligibility, and enforcement to require near‑ and long‑term actions by the responsible company, according to EPA officials.
  • The plume stems from 1963–1986 disposal of 1,4‑dioxane at the former Gelman Sciences facility and spans roughly three miles by one mile beneath western Ann Arbor and Scio Township.
  • EPA says the existing state agreement does not require full aquifer restoration and permits continued migration toward the Huron River.
  • Officials report no known current human exposures, with some private wells already abandoned and affected properties connected to municipal water as the city continues testing.
  • Michigan sought listing in 2021, EPA proposed it in March 2024, and finalized it on March 12, 2026, after public comment, with the 2001 shutdown of the Montgomery Wellfield highlighting past impacts.