Rep. Ann Bollin of Brighton Township, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, today listened to testimony about the “green ooze” environmental situation in metro Detroit and said the state must continue to be transparent about the contamination threat.

Bollin participated in the hearing to review how the state responded and communicated with local governments and legislators related to Electro-Plating Services in Madison Heights and ownership-related properties in Sanilac County and Detroit.

“It was vital to hear public testimony on the background of this issue, how it’s being dealt with, and most importantly, the solutions for preventing future problems,” Bollin said. “We must continue to find ways to make our government more accountable and transparent, and this hearing was a positive step in the right direction.”

The toxic green liquid was seen in December oozing onto the shoulder of I-696 near Madison Heights. Media outlets across the country published the photos. The source of the contaminant – including hexavalent chromium, PFAS and other toxins – was determined as the former Electro-Plating Services site, which has a long history of compliance violations.

Liesl Clark, director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, was one of many officials who testified.

“The photos of the toxic green liquid flowing onto I-696 were shocking to all of us,” Bollin said.

“Although we learned a great deal about the issue, our hearing should only be the first step in an ongoing process to learn more about the situation and ultimately find ways to ensure people’s safety.”