Birds Eye Foods is to build a water treatment plant and supply bottled water to the public as part of an agreement and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) as a result of claims that waste water from its fruit and vegetable plant in Fennville had contaminated the local water supply. In 2004, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment cited the company for violations over excessive levels of pH and sodium the plant effluent stating that Birds Eye Foods’ lagoon and/or spray irrigation system had caused groundwater contamination. A violation notice was issued in 2008 due to high levels of iron, sodium chloride, total inorganic nitrogen and pH, found in monitoring wells.
Pinnacle Foods, owners of Birds Eye Foods are quoted as being satisfied with the agreement “We’re pleased that we’ve reached an agreement with the State that will lead to environmental improvement and upgraded water supplies for many area residents,” said a company spokeswoman. “We are proud that our role in assisting with obtaining the government grant will help extend and improve the city government’s water supply including installing an iron filtration system and that residents in the vicinity of Fennville will be able to attain public water usage. We’re also thrilled that soon we’ll be permitted to install our $3.5 million waste water system after the formal comment and review period ends August 20th.”
DNRE Director Rebecca A Humphries hailed the settlement as a “significant achievement” for the town’s inhabitants. “The actions to be taken will provide safe drinking water to affected area residents and fully address the environmental issues in the area, while assuring the continued presence of Birds Eye as an important component of the local economy.”