- Officials say coal ash – a byproduct of burning coal that poses risks to human health – has been cleaned up at Erickson Power Station, but contaminants could still be polluting drinking water near Delta Township.
- Residents and environmental advocates say the Lansing Board of Water and Light, which owns the plant, isn’t doing enough to clean up pollution. The utility says it’s in compliance with all regulations.
- The federal government is rolling back coal-related environmental protections and reopening coal power plants. Advocates say this could delay or stop cleanup efforts at sites like Erickson.
While driving down I-96 on the westside of Lansing, a candy cane striped smokestack looms over the skyline: the Erickson Power Station.
Although the power plant isn’t burning coal anymore, contaminants could still be polluting drinking water for people living near Delta Township.
Jon Kermiet, who lives two miles away from the station in Millet, said the uncertainties about polluted groundwater are causing fear and anxiety for nearby residents.
“What does this mean for us? What does this mean for our property? What does this mean for our future, passing our houses onto our sons?” Kermiet said…