Auto Parts Supplier Ignores Alarms, Dumps Contaminated Water

KEYWORDS AUTO PARTS CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION DETROIT MANUFACTURING MICHIGAN

Aug. 12, 2022—Tribar Manufacturing, an auto parts supplier, has reportedly poisoned a major waterway in the Metro Detroit area. 

According to Jalopnik, Tribar is a parts supplier for the likes of Ford, Toyota, GM, and Rivian. Tribar sends wastewater to the Wixom wastewater treatment plant. After treatment, this water is sent into the Huron River. 

In late July 2022, Tribar dumped 10,000 gallons of water that was contaminated with hexavalent chromium. This is a potentially cancer-causing contaminant. It can also cause irritation and damage throughout other parts of the body including kidneys, the liver, and skin. 

460 alarms were issued to warn Tribar that these chemicals would enter the Huron River, as the amount of water being dumped was overwhelming the system. A Tribar employee overrode the alarms. The water went into the river, and Tribar did not report the spill until four days later. 

There is a no-contact order in place for people who live north of the Wixom water treatment plant. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has issued violation notices for Tribar and is seeking more answers. 

The Department has said that Tribar is not being cooperative.