Lansing Area Environmental Updates

This webpage provides updates and select information on RACER Lansing environmental response activities. More information about RACER's Lansing-area properties can be found by clicking here.

January 23, 2024

Treatment of 1,4-dioxane showing progress; additional remedies implemented

Treatment systems in place and operating for several years continue to be effective in reducing concentrations of 1,4-dioxane in a plume deep below the surface of the former GM Plant 2 and Plant 3 properties in Lansing Township.

RACER Trust operates the treatment systems and conducts other environmental activities to address contaminants at the properties resulting from former manufacturing operations with oversight from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). There is currently no known complete exposure pathways for area residents associated with site contaminants. Drinking water is provided by the Lansing Board of Water and Light.

In addition to ongoing successful operation of the treatment systems, RACER is monitoring storm sewers for PFOS and has taken several remedial steps, including excavation and off-site disposal of arsenic-impacted soil, with EGLE’s approval at the former Plant 2 and Plant 3 properties. Sewer monitoring will be repeated in February, with the results summarized in an upcoming quarterly update.

RACER also evaluated locations on and near the Plant 6 property in the city of Lansing to assess the potential for vapor intrusion, and took several remedial steps, including excavation and off-site disposal of arsenic-impacted soil, with EGLE approval at the former Plant 2 and Plant 3 properties.

Click the link below to view and download RACER’s quarterly environmental update, which has further details about RACER’s recently completed and planned environmental activities.

2024 Fourth Quarter Progress Report


 
October 20, 2023

Installation of New Monitoring Wells Completed Near Former Plant 2 Property

Assessment of groundwater conditions near Rosemary Street along the east-central boundary of the former GM Lansing Plant 2 property and installation of additional monitoring wells were among the environmental activities completed by RACER Trust at its properties in Lansing and Lansing Township in the calendar quarter that ended Sept. 30.

There remains no known public exposure pathway for property-related contaminants.

The new monitoring wells, along with three vertical aquifer profile (VAP) borings (used to identify the depth intervals where impacts are located within an aquifer and help identify source areas), were sampled, and results will be reported in RACER’s next quarterly update early in 2024.

Other maintenance and monitoring activities during the third quarter included monitoring of storm sewers and the injection of nutrients for biosparge systems that are remediating 1,4-dioxane impacts at the former Plants 2 and 3. Though the Plant 2 system had a 4-week shutdown due to an electrical surge that damaged electrical equipment, results of performance monitoring show that the biosparge systems are achieving the short-term objective of reducing 1,4-dioxane concentrations and mass.

The full third quarter summary is available to view and download by clicking the link below.

2023 Third Quarter Progress Report, Lansing Plants 2, 3 & 6

 
July 20, 2023

RACER Trust Update on Lansing-area Environmental Activities

In the second quarter of the year (April-June), RACER Trust continued to monitor, assess and treat environmental impacts related to past operations at the former GM Plants 2 and 3 in Lansing Township and Plant 6 in Lansing, working under the oversight of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). A more detailed summary can be accessed by clicking the link below. Highlights include:

  • There remains no known complete exposure for area residents associated with site-related contaminants.
     
  • Performance monitoring of the biosparge system treating 1,4-dioxane in groundwater beneath Plants 2 and 3 confirms that the system continues to operate as designed and is reducing concentrations of 1,4-dioxane along the core of the plume.
     
  • RACER has proposed to EGLE a temporary shutdown of segments of the biosparge system to assess how concentrations of 1,4-dioxane may change after the system is no longer operating. It is expected that the system will continue operating for several years.
     
  • Concentrations of 1,4-dioxane in the central portion of the western boundary of the Plant 2 property continue to vary overtime and were higher in the second quarter of 2023 when compared to the first quarter of 2023. Wells in this area will continue to be monitored and  additional sampling is proposed to further assess 1,4-dioxane impacts in this area.
     
  • EGLE requested additional sampling northeast of the 1,4-dioxane source area at Plant 3 (the southwest portion) to confirm the material has not migrated from the source area in that direction. Initial results did not identify significant migration. Monitoring will continue.
     
  • Quarterly monitoring results from storm sewers were generally favorable. Monitoring of storm sewers will be completed again this summer and the results summarized in the Third Quarter Progress Report.

2023 Second Quarter Progress Report

April 24, 2023

Progress Continues on Remedial Activities at RACER’s Lansing Township Properties

RACER Trust was pleased to learn that results of recent performance monitoring shows the remedial activities at RACER’s Lansing Township properties are working as designed. 

Specifically, monitoring shows the biosparge systems installed to treat 1,4-dioxane in groundwater beneath Plants 2 and 3 (north and south of Saginaw Street) are achieving the short-term objective of reducing concentrations and mass along the core of the weathered bedrock plume. Results of this performance monitoring were shared with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), which is overseeing RACER’s work at its Lansing-area properties.

There continues to be no known exposure pathways for property-related contaminants to impact nearby residents.

RACER continues to assess the potential for off-property impacts from PFAS, specifically perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in storm water, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in groundwater, and volatile organic compounds in groundwater and soil vapor.

A summary of RACER’s complete progress report can be viewed and downloaded from the link below.

2023 First Quarter Progress Report

January 30, 2023
Figure 1 - Plant 6 Update_1.23.jpg

The image on the left shows locations to facilitate collection of soil, soil vapor, and groundwater data immediately east of the northern portion of the former GM Lansing Plant 6 property, as well as data from most recent sampling events at each location. The image on the right shows the monitoring locations in relation to the Plant 6 property. RACER Trust is assessing the potential for off-site vapor intrusion due to the presence of vinyl chloride in the groundwater.

January 23, 2023

Environmental Assessment, Remediation Continue at Lansing-area Properties; No Indication of Public Exposure

A link to RACER Trust’s fourth quarter 2022 environmental progress report is provided below. As described in more detail in the report, RACER continues to assess environmental conditions associated with the former GM Lansing Plants 2 and 3 in Lansing Township and Plant 6 in the city of Lansing. RACER is implementing remedial measures proposed to and approved by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).

In November, RACER conducted site-wide performance monitoring of storm sewers (see the specific locations in the quarterly report), to check for trends in PFAS concentrations. Results were at or below the relevant criteria for all but one sample location. RACER will continue to monitor the sewers and, in consultation with EGLE, will evaluate the need for additional work.

RACER is continuing to assess the potential for vapors from groundwater contaminated with vinyl chloride (a volatile organic compound) to rise through the soil and impact indoor air. Samples were collected from newly installed monitoring wells in December and additional sampling is scheduled in the first quarter of 2023. The results will be reported both to EGLE and in a subsequent quarterly summary on this website.

A system installed to address 1,4-dioxane impacts at the Plant 2 and 3 properties continues to work as designed, with sampling results demonstrating a decrease in 1,4-dioxane concentrations.

Finally a reminder that, to date, there is no indication of public exposure to property-related contaminants. Drinking water is provided by the Lansing Board of Water & Light. Groundwater is well below the ground surface. More information available by clicking the link below.

2022 Fourth Quarter Progress Report

 
October 21, 2022

Environmental Activities Continue to Assess, Address Impacts Associated with Former GM Lansing-area Properties

RACER Trust continues its work to assess and address environmental impacts associated with former GM Plants 2, 3 and 6 in Lansing and Lansing Township, with a focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 1,4-dioxane in soil and groundwater.

As before, there is no indication that the public is exposed to any of the contaminants associated with the former GM properties. Drinking water is provided by the Lansing Board of Water & Light, and groundwater is far enough below the surface to prevent uptake in vegetable gardens, for example.

The below-ground biosparge treatment systems for 1,4-dioxane at the Plants 2 and 3 properties continue to operate as designed, with treated groundwater showing a decrease in 1,4- dioxane concentrations and mass along the core of the weathered bedrock plume. More monitoring will be completed in the 4th quarter of 2022 and a performance report will be completed in the second quarter of 2023.

Characterization of PFAS in groundwater is ongoing to the east of Plant 6. Monitoring wells will be installed at four additional locations east of Plant 6 before the end of 2022. Interim actions for PFAS include storm sewer modifications on Plants 2, 3 and 6 to prevent groundwater containing PFAS from infiltrating into and then discharging off-site through the storm sewers. RACER will perform quarterly monitoring at select sewer outfalls in 2023.

Monitoring of potential soil vapor intrusion (VI) to indoor air is ongoing and will continue in the northeast portion of Plant 6 and the adjacent off-site area.

More details are available by clicking the link below.

2022 Third Quarter Progress Report

September 2, 2022

Weeklong Environmental Work in Public Rights-of-Way to Begin Week of September 5

RACER Trust will conduct environmental activities in public rights-of-way along west Michigan Avenue, Spencer Street and north Jenison Avenue in Lansing beginning the week of September 5. The work is expected to take about a week to complete, depending on the weather.

RACER will drill soil borings in the rights-of-way to collect groundwater samples and prepare for the installation of wells to monitor for presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater.

The are no known pathways to public exposure to PFAS originating from RACER’s former GM properties in the city of Lansing, Lansing and Delta townships. Drinking water is from a public source (LBWL), and the groundwater in the area is well below the root zone for garden vegetables.

The environmental work will take place between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Every effort will be made to minimize disturbance to traffic and landscaping and any disturbed landscape will be repaired.

Groundwater samples collected in 2021 and 2022 showed PFOA in excess of state drinking water standards southeast of the former Lansing Plant 6 property (though, to reiterate, there is no known public consumption of or exposure to impacted groundwater). RACER proposed installing additional soil borings, collecting groundwater samples, and monitoring wells to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE), which oversees RACER’s environmental activities in the Lansing area, and EGLE concurred.

For more information about the planned activities, please click the link below.

September 2022 RACER Lansing Update


 
July 22, 2022

RACER Continues to Assess PFAS Impacts But Finds No Threats to Area Residents

While RACER Trust continues to collect and assess information about the presence and migration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) beyond the property boundaries of the old General Motors Plant 6, bordered by Verlinden and Michigan avenues in the city of Lansing, PFAS in the groundwater poses no public health risk to area residents. Drinking water is provided by the Lansing Board of Water and Light. PFAS detected in the groundwater does not volatilize to soil vapor and is far enough below the surface to prevent potential uptake in garden produce. This is consistent with findings that PFAS found in the groundwater on the old General Motors Plants 2 and 3 in Lansing Township, south and north of Saginaw Street, also pose no risk to area residents.

RACER has more recently been assessing the presence of PFAS north, east, and south of the Plant 6 property and the potential for soil vapor intrusion (VI) of vinyl chloride to indoor air adjacent to the northeast portion of the Plant 6 property.

RACER, whose environmental work in the Lansing area is overseen by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), also previously completed several storm sewer modifications on Plants 2, 3, and 6 to prevent PFAS that has infiltrated into the pipes from discharging to off-site surface waters. Monitoring of sewers for PFAS will continue to verify the effectiveness of modifications.

Performance monitoring on underground biosparge treatment systems for 1,4-dioxane at the Plant 2 and Plant 3 properties continue to show the systems are operating as designed, with treated groundwater showing a decrease in 1,4- dioxane concentrations and mass along the core of the weathered bedrock plume. As with PFAS at this location, there is no indication that residents are or have been exposed to 1,4-dioxane from the former GM properties.

More details are available in the summary below.

2022 Second Quarter Progress Report

June 2, 2022

RACER’s Monitoring Wells Show No, Low Concentrations of PFAS in Off-Property Groundwater Near Lansing Plant 6

As we reported earlier, RACER Trust installed 10 new monitoring wells in public rights-of-way north and east of the former GM Lansing Plant 6 property to assess the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in groundwater beyond the property boundary. The Plant 6 site is bordered by Michigan and Verlinden avenues in the city of Lansing.

Groundwater samples collected from eight of the new wells — two north of Plant 6 and six east of the site — do not exceed the state’s drinking water standard for PFAS. However, samples collected from two of the other new wells — one north of the former GM Lansing Plant 6 property, the other east —  showed concentrations slightly above the state’s drinking water standard in groundwater for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Fortunately, public exposure remains unlikely because drinking water for the area is provided by the Lansing Board of Water & Light and the impacted groundwater is below the root zone for garden vegetables.

These sampling results will be reported to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), which is overseeing all of RACER’s environmental work at the property. RACER will continue to collect samples periodically to monitor for changes in groundwater conditions and will report the results to EGLE and to the public in subsequent public updates.

June 2022 Project Update

April 29, 2022

RACER's Groundwater Treatment Having Positive Impact; Assessment and Work at Properties in Lansing,
Lansing Township Continues

RACER Trust’s latest progress report on cleanup at its properties in Lansing and Lansing Township shows the biosparge treatment system that is removing 1,4-dioxane from groundwater beneath the Plant 2 and Plant 3 properties continues to work as designed, with sampling results indicating that concentrations of 1,4-dioxane continue to decrease.

Furthermore, samples from off-property storm sewers continue to show decreased concentrations of perfluorooctanesulfonic (PFOS) in storm sewers, and the concentrations are now either below or fluctuating to just above surface water quality criteria.

As before, there is currently no known exposure pathways for area residents associated with the contaminants, which include 1,4-dioxane in groundwater and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater and stormwater. Drinking water in the area is supplied by the Lansing Board of Water and Light.

Working under state oversight, RACER completed installation in March 2022 of monitoring wells to enable additional assessment of off-property environmental impacts near the former GM Lansing Plants 2, 3 and 6 in Lansing and Lansing Township. Monitoring of 1,4-dioxane conditions continues at several locations.

Samples were collected in late March 2022 from several new off-property groundwater wells near the former Plant 6 property and will be analyzed for the presence of PFAS.

RACER will summarize the results in the next quarterly progress report.

2022 First Quarter Progress Report

March 10, 2022

New Monitoring Wells to be Installed Near Former GM Plant 6 Site; Work Expected to Begin Week of March 21

RACER Trust is continuing its ongoing assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and, in particular, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) impacts originating from the former GM Plant 6 property. Plant 6 is bordered by Michigan and Verlinden avenues in the City of Lansing.

As part of that assessment, RACER will be installing 10 new monitoring wells in public rights-of-way. While the approximate locations of the wells can be seen by clicking the link below, they generally are east and north of the Plant 6 site.

Work is expected to begin the week of March 21 and take approximately two weeks to complete. Work hours will be approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Every effort will be made to minimize disturbance to traffic and landscaping. Any landscaping that is disturbed will be repaired.

Once installed, the new wells will be sampled periodically and the results shared with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), which is overseeing RACER’s environmental activities. Any updates will be posted on this page.  

As a reminder, Lansing residents receive drinking water from the Lansing Board of Water and Light. There is no known exposure from any PFAS that may be in the groundwater. The new wells will assist RACER and EGLE in assessing concentrations over time.

March 2022 Project Update

January 25, 2022

Progress on 1,4-Dioxane Remediation, PFAS Characterization Highlight End of Year Activities

Treatment systems to address 1,4-dioxane impacts to groundwater beneath the former GM Lansing plants 2 and 3 continue to show significant progress in reducing concentrations of the contaminant.

Performance monitoring of the systems, known as biosparge, indicate that the source of 1,4-dioxane under the former Plant 3 is depleted and concentrations in groundwater have been reduced to nondetect in some locations. Additional performance monitoring was completed in the fourth quarter of 2021; results will be reported to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), which is overseeing our remedial work in the Lansing area, and in a subsequent quarterly update report.

With respect to PFAS, we plugged or replaced various sewer infrastructure to prevent or contain transport of material containing PFAS. We continue to collect data from the areas surrounding these modifications and again will report our findings to EGLE and in a quarterly update report. We also are continuing our work to assess off-site PFAS impacts north, east and south of the former Plant 6 property and monitoring for potential soil vapor intrusion to indoor air in the northeast portion of the Plant 6 property and adjacent areas off site.

There remains no known exposure pathways to site contaminants for area residents. Drinking water is provided by the Lansing Board of Water & Light, and water tables are beneath the root zones of garden vegetables.

You can view and download our fourth-quarter summary by clicking the link below.

2021 Fourth Quarter Progress Report

January 14, 2022

RACER Trust Completes Initial Sampling of Monitoring Wells Near Former Plant 6 Property

RACER Trust has collected and analyzed for PFAS samples of groundwater collected from public rights-of-way north and east of the former GM Lansing Plant 6 property. Ten of the 11 samples did not contain PFAS at concentrations above Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy drinking water criteria of 8 parts per trillion, or PPT. One sample, collected north of the Plant 6 property, had a perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) reading of 12 PPT.

There are no known complete exposure pathways to PFOA in the groundwater for residents and therefore PFOA present in shallow groundwater is not expected to pose a risk to residents. The shallow groundwater is not used as a source of drinking water. Drinking water is supplied to the businesses and residences in the area by the Lansing Board of Water and Light. In addition, there are no inhalation hazards, nor risk associated with direct contact with soil or groundwater containing PFOA. 

RACER has reported these results to EGLE, which is overseeing our environmental activities at RACER’s former GM Lansing-area properties. 

RACER expects to install monitoring wells at or near the collection points in March 2022. These monitoring wells will help determine PFAS concentrations over time and provide more information about the extent of off-site impacts to groundwater.

More information is available in the Project Update posted below.

January 2022 Project Update

October 20, 2021

Data Show 1,4 Dioxane Treatment is Working; PFAS Assessments Continue

A treatment system to address 1,4-dioxane impacts associated with the former GM Plants 2 and 3 appears to be working as designed, with quarterly performance monitoring continuing to show concentrations decreasing over time.

As background, RACER owns four former GM properties in and around Lansing — the former Plant 6 in the city, bordered by Michigan and Verlinden avenues; Plant 2 in Lansing Township, south of Saginaw Street; Plant 3 in Lansing Township, north of Saginaw Street; and Plant 5 in Delta Township, near West Mount Hope Highway and South Canal Road.

The treatment system at Plants 2 and 3, which injects air and very small amounts of propane to stimulate microorganisms that break down the contaminants, is removing 1,4-dioxane from groundwater approximately 60 to 75 feet below the surface.

There remains no indication that the public is exposed to any of the contaminants at RACER’s former GM properties in the Lansing area.

Work to assess PFAS impacts is ongoing to the north, east, and south of Plant 6. Interim actions to address PFAS include storm sewer modifications on Plants 2, 3 and 6 to eliminate groundwater containing PFAS from infiltrating into the pipes and then discharging off-site through the storm sewers. Monitoring of potential soil vapor intrusion (VI) to indoor air is ongoing and will continue in the northeast portion of Plant 6 and the adjacent off-site area.

Groundwater samples were collected in September from several locations near the Plant 6 property. We will report those results in a subsequent update.

More details are available in the report below. The report has been submitted to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, which oversees RACER’s environmental activities at the Lansing-area properties.

2021 Third Quarter Progress Report

August 24, 2021

RACER Trust Preparing for Off-Site Work Around Former GM Lansing-Area Properties


RACER Trust will install eight groundwater collection borings in public rights-of-way east and north of the former GM Lansing Plant 6 property under a plan approved by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

Installation is scheduled for September 8, 9 and 10 in rights-of-way (ROW) along Drexel Road, North Genesee Drive, Memphis Street, Inverness Avenue, Spencer Street, and West Michigan Avenue. Work hours will be between approximately 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Groundwater samples will be collected from each boring and analyzed for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Sampling at Plant 6 has identified several residual PFAS in soil and groundwater. Most notably, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) extends east and north of the Plant 6 property boundary in groundwater.

The PFOA present in shallow groundwater east and north of Plant 6 are not expected to impact residents. The concentrations are expected to be low or not detectable. The shallow groundwater is expected to be at a depth of at least 10 feet below ground surface, which is well below the root zone for garden vegetables (typically limited to 1 to 3 feet below ground surface), and the shallow groundwater is not used as a source of drinking water for nearby homes and businesses.

More information about the planned activities is contained in the summary below. We thank the City of Lansing for granting us the use of public rights-of-way to conduct these activities.

Plant 6 Off-site PFAS Investigation

July 20, 2021

Work is Ongoing to Assess and Address PFAS Impacts from Former GM Properties


RACER Trust, working under the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s oversight, continues to focus on identifying and addressing groundwater containing low levels of PFAS associated with operations of the former GM Lansing Plants 2, 3, and 6.

EGLE updated its cleanup criteria for groundwater in December 2020, after which RACER worked with EGLE to provide notices of migration to 18 commercial and residential property owners located north and east of the former Plant 6 property. The City of Lansing also was notified.

There remains no currently known complete exposure pathway for area residents associated with PFAS or any other contaminant associated with the former GM properties. Drinking water in this area is provided by the Lansing Board of Water and Light.

Additional details about RACER’s environmental activities related to former GM Lansing Plants 2, 3 and 6 during the April through June period, as well as information about scheduled activities, can be found by clicking the link below.

More details are available by clicking the link below.

2021 Second Quarter Progress Report

June 16, 2021

RACER Analysis Shows PFOA in Excess of State Standard;
No Residents or Businesses Impacted

Analysis of groundwater samples collected at the southeast perimeter of the former General Motors (GM) Lansing Plant 6 property confirmed the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in excess of State of Michigan criteria for drinking water. Analysis of groundwater samples collected within the Michigan Avenue right-of-way south of the property did not identify PFOA concentrations in groundwater above State of Michigan criteria for drinking water. 

The Michigan limit for PFOA in drinking water is 8 parts per trillion (ppt). PFOA concentrations ranging from 38 ppt to 63 ppt were found along the southeastern perimeter of the former Plant 6 property.

It is important to remember that drinking water is provided to the study area by the Lansing Board of Water and Light, there are no known complete pathways for human exposure to groundwater, and no risks are associated with direct contact with impacted soil or groundwater.

RACER Trust, working under the direction of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), installed six sampling wells in March with the goal of determining the extent of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) impacts resulting from previous operations by the former GM. PFOA is among the class of PFAS chemicals.

Additional borings to allow for collection of groundwater samples are planned east and north of the former Plant 6 property to evaluate the off-site extent of PFOA in shallow groundwater. Field work is tentatively scheduled for August 2021, pending EGLE approval. 

More details are available by clicking the link below.

June 2021 Lansing Project Update

April 20, 2021

RACER Conducting Additional PFAS Assessments in Response to Updated Cleanup Criteria

RACER Trust will soon begin to assess the potential presence of PFAS in groundwater north and east of the property boundary for the former GM Lansing Plant 6 property. This assessment is in response to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) December 2020 update of groundwater cleanup criteria.

There remains no known exposure pathways for area residents associated with the site contaminants.

After coordination with EGLE, which oversees RACER’s environmental work at the former GM properties in Lansing, Lansing Township and Delta Township, approximately 18 commercial and residential property owners in the assessment area will be receiving a letter from RACER with information regarding how groundwater containing PFAS relates to their property. There is no indication that any property owner is using groundwater; drinking water is supplied by the Lansing Board of Water & Light.

Characterization of PFAS is ongoing to the north, east, and south of Plant 6. Interim actions for PFAS include storm sewer modifications on Plants 2, 3, and 6 to eliminate groundwater containing PFAS from infiltrating into and then discharging off-site through the storm sewers. RACER will also continue to monitor potential soil vapor intrusion (VI) to indoor air in the northeast portion of Plant 6 and the adjacent off-site area.

Finally, results of routine sampling show that the biosparge systems installed at the former Plant 2 and Plant 3 properties are achieving the short-term objective of reducing 1,4-dioxane concentrations along the core of the weathered bedrock plume.

More details are available in the quarterly report RACER submitted to EGLE, which can be viewed and downloaded by clicking the link below.

Lansing First Quarter 2021 Environmental Progress Report

March 2, 2021

Monitoring Wells Being Installed to Evaluate PFAS Beyond Plant 6 Site

RACER Trust will install monitoring wells in the Michigan Avenue right-of-way, south of the former GM Plant 6 property, to gather additional data on the potential presence of PFAS beyond the Plant 6 property line. The work is being completed under the oversight of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

The work along Michigan Avenue is expected to begin on, or about, March 10 and take two or three days to complete. Every effort will be made to ensure the public’s safety during the work and to minimize disturbance to traffic and landscaping.

If PFAS are found in shallow groundwater south of the Plant 6 boundary, additional investigation in those areas will likely be necessary later this year. However, it is emphasized that PFAS will not impact area residents since concentrations are expected to be low and shallow groundwater is not a source for drinking water. Drinking water is provided by the Lansing Board of Water and Light. Furthermore, it is highly unlikely that the presence of PFAS would impact activities at Sexton High School. 

More details are available by clicking the link below.

March 2021 Lansing Project Update

Jan. 28, 2021

RACER Trust Provides Update to Old Oakland Neighborhood Association

RACER Trust Michigan Deputy Cleanup Manager David Favero and Transaction Manager Steve Black provided an update on redevelopment and remediation activities at RACER’s Lansing-area properties at the Old Oakland Neighborhood Association's annual meeting, which was held virtually on Thursday, January 28. The presentation materials can be viewed by clicking the link below.

Presentation to Old Oakland Neighborhood Association

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January 21, 2021

RACER Trust Submits Quarterly Progress Report for Lansing-Area Properties

RACER Trust has completed its summary of environmental activities that have taken place at RACER’s former GM Lansing-area properties through the end of December 2020. Please click the link below to view and download the report, which also has been provided to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, which is overseeing RACER’s environmental activities at the properties.

Among the highlights:

• There continues to be no known exposure for area residents associated with contaminants found at the former GM properties. Characterization of potential soil vapor intrusion for indoor air is ongoing and will continue in the northeast portion of Plant 6 and the adjacent off-site area.

• Characterization of PFAS impacts is ongoing. Several interim steps have been taken to control PFAS impacts, including modifications to sanitary and storm sewer lines to minimize off-site transport of PFAS-impacted groundwater that has infiltrated into on-site sewers.  

• Biosparge systems to remediate 1,4-dioxane in weathered bedrock at the Plant 2 and Plant 3 properties appear to be working as designed. Performance monitoring was conducted at the end of the year, and results will be reported in a subsequent quarterly update.

Additional information about RACER’s environmental activities in the Lansing area, including groundwater monitoring and a schedule of upcoming milestones, is included in the full quarterly report.

Fourth Quarter 2020 Quarterly Progress Report

January 13, 2021

RACER Trust Provides Update to Westside Neighborhood Association

RACER Trust Michigan Deputy Cleanup Manager David Favero and Redevelopment Manager Bruce Rasher provided an update on redevelopment and remediation activities at RACER’s Lansing-area properties at the Westside Neighborhood Association’s annual meeting, which was held virtually on Wednesday, January 13. The presentation materials can be viewed by clicking the link below.

Presentation to Westside Neighborhood Association

October 20, 2020

RACER Updates the Community on Environmental Activities at Lansing-area Properties

 

RACER Trust has prepared a comprehensive quarterly overview of ongoing and planned environmental activities at its former GM properties in the Lansing area.

The overview, which summarizes work conducted between July and September, is available at the link below.

RACER’s environmental activities are carried out under the oversight of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, which also received a copy of the quarterly overview.

There are no known impacts to any drinking water source or public exposure to any contaminants associated with the former GM operations. We’re continuing to address 1,4-dioxane impacts to ground water 60 to 75 feet below the surface, and have made storm sewer modifications on the property to eliminate PFAS discharges.

In addition, we have assessed soil and groundwater conditions near the property and found no evidence to suggest gasses in the soil are causing any indoor impacts. Additional assessment and monitoring will continue to verify conditions do not change over time.

More details about these and other activities can be found in the quarterly overview.

Third Quarter 2020 Quarterly Progress Report

July 23, 2020

RACER conducting off-site sampling in Lansing; Q2 summary of activities available

Please click the link below for a summary report of RACER’s second-quarter 2020 environmental activities in Lansing.

RACER Trust has begun collecting soil and groundwater samples in the area of Stanley Street and Osborn Road, just east of the former GM Lansing Plant 6 property, to determine if volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found at the property are present and creating the potential for vapor intrusion. We expect to complete these activities this week. 

This work, and all environmental activities at the former GM Lansing properties, is being conducted under the oversight of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). RACER will complete a thorough evaluation of the data, including potential risks associated with any VOCs detected in groundwater east of the former Plant 6, and provide that evaluation to EGLE for review. We also will summarize the information and share it publicly on the RACER website.

There are no known exposures to VOCs east of the Plant 6 property. The concentrations are expected to be low and the shallow groundwater is not used as a source of drinking water. Water is supplied to the businesses and residences in the area by the Lansing Board of Water and Light.

2Q Quarterly Progress Report

April 20, 2020

RACER Trust Submits First Quarterly Report of 2020 On Environmental Activities at Lansing-Area Properties

RACER Trust has submitted its First Quarter 2020 Quarterly Progress Report for environmental activities at its former GM Lansing-area properties to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. A link to the report can be found below.

Highlights of the report include:

  • There remains no known exposure pathways for area residents associated with contaminants at the properties (former GM Lansing plants 2, 3 and 6).
  • The biosparge treatment system to address 1,4-dioxane impacts at the Plant 3 property is working as designed. Sampling data indicate a 97% reduction in 1,4-dioxane concentrations within the system’s radius of influence.
  • A biosparge system for the Plant 2 property, also designed to address 1,4-dioxane impacts, is scheduled to come online in July or August.
  • Modifications to storm sewers at Plant 2 resulted in a 75% reduction in PFOS concentrations at the Plant 2 outfall.
  • No samples exceeded surface-water standards for PFOS at Plant 6, a result of modifications to storm sewers that were completed in the fourth quarter of 2019.

The report includes a schedule of upcoming activities. Please note the timing of several activities is likely to be impacted by the current Stay-Home/Stay-In executive order.

RACER Trust is continuing to carry out its environmental obligations — including preparation of remedial action plans, maintenance and operation of remediation equipment, and timely collection and reporting of data to federal and state regulatory agencies — during the COVID-19 emergency. RACER personnel and contractors are taking all appropriate precautions to protect themselves and our communities from the further spread of COVID-19 while carrying out environmental obligations.
 
First Quarter 2020 Quarterly Progress Report

RACER Trust Submits Q4 Report On Environmental Activities at Lansing-Area Properties

RACER Trust has submitted its Fourth Quarter 2019 Quarterly Progress Report for environmental activities at its former GM Lansing-area properties to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). A link to the report can be found below.
 
The report includes a summary of findings related to 1,4-dioxane impacts at the former Plants 2 and 3 properties; results of biosparging at the Plant 3 property (an approximately 92% reduction in 1,4-dioxane observed in a monitoring well within the radius of influence of the sparge wells); results of PFAS sampling at the Plants 2 and 3 properties; and results of storm water modifications at Plants 2, 3 and 6.
 
The report concludes with a list of work in progress and anticipated near-term milestones.
 
Fourth Quarter 2019 Quarterly Progress Report

Installation and Activation of Former Lansing Plant 3 Portion of Biosparge Remediation System Highlight Third-Quarter Environmental Activities at Lansing-area Properties


The biosparge system at the former GM Lansing Plant 3 property, designed to treat 1,4-dioxane in groundwater, began operating in July.

Performance monitoring was completed on five wells in August, with results of data analysis expected to be presented in a future report to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).  A summary of the results will also be provided in the next quarterly update for the project which will be made available on the RACER website.

A majority of the biosparge wells at the former GM Lansing Plant 2 property were installed in the third quarter as well. The larger portion of the system is expected to begin operating later in 2020.

To view RACER’s quarterly progress report to EGLE, please click the link below

Quarterly Progress Report

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Summary of Quarterly Environmental Activities, April-June 2019


A recap of environmental activities for the April-June quarter at the former GM Lansing Plants 2, 3 and 6 has been submitted to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and can be viewed by clicking the link below.
RACER is proceeding with implementation of an EGLE-approved plan to address 1,4-dioxane impacts to groundwater using a biosparge treatment method. RACER’s goal is to have the biosparge system fully operational in 2020. Biosparge works by stimulating the growth of organisms that feed on and degrade the chemical in the groundwater.

RACER continues to investigate PFAS discovered in groundwater at the former GM Lansing properties and east of the properties. There is no exposure to or known use of the impacted groundwater.

RACER also is investigating PFAS discovered in storm sewers that are present on the former GM properties and working with EGLE to implement remedial plans at the properties.  

RACER Lansing 2Q 2019 Progress Report

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RACER to Investigate PFAS Near Lansing Plant 6 Property


RACER Trust will conduct further off-site sampling of shallow groundwater at two location east of the former Lansing Plant 6 property during the first week of May. The purpose of the work is to evaluate if PFAS impacts have migrated off-site in groundwater east of Plant 6. Please click below to view and download a fact sheet about the upcoming work.

RACER Plant 6 Project Update

MDEQ Information from April 23 Public Meeting


Please click the link below to view and download information presented by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality during a public meeting to discuss a proposed remedial work plan to address 1,4-dioxane impacts at RACER Trust properties in Lansing Township. 

MDEQ Public Meeting Presentation

RACER Trust Information for April 23 MDEQ Meeting on 1,4-Dioxane Work Plan


RACER Trust will present the information found in the link below at the MDEQ’s public meeting on a proposed Interim Measures Work Plan for 1,4-dioxane at the former Lansing Plant 2 and Plant 3 properties. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, in the boardroom of the Lansing Township Hall,  3209 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing.

 
CLEAN UP OF 1,4-DIOXANE USING PROPANE BIOSPARGING

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MDEQ Schedules Public Hearing on Corrective Measures Plan for RACER Properties

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has issued the following public notice:

The Department of Environmental Quality, Waste Management and Radiological Protection Division (WMRPD), has received an Interim Measures Work Plan from the Revitalizing Auto Communities Environmental Response (RACER) Trust Plants 2 &3 entitled: Interim Measures Work Plan Lower 1,4-Dioxane Biosparge (Work Plan).  The RACER Plants 2 and 3 are located in Lansing, adjacent to Rosemary Avenue, between Michigan Avenue and Willow Street. The Work Plan proposes an in-situ bioremediation technology as an interim and potentially final corrective measure for the 1,4-dioxane plume, present in the weathered bedrock at the site, to effectively treat and prevent the plume from migrating off-site. A public meeting will be held in the boardroom of the Lansing Township Hall on April 23, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. For information, please contact: Christine Matlock, Project Manager, Hazardous Waste Section, WMRPD, at 517-284-6577 or by e‑mail at matlockc2@michigan.gov

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MDEQ Public Hearing Postponed

A public meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 12, as part of the 1,4-dioxane remediation on RACER Trust Lansing Plants 2 & 3 has been postponed because of expected inclement weather. 

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, which was to host the meeting at the Lansing Township Board Room, announced the postponement. The meeting will be rescheduled, likely for a date in March. RACER Trust will post information about a new meeting date when it is announced.

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MDEQ Notice: RACER Lansing Plants 2 & 3 Public Meeting


Who: Staff from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) are hosting a public meeting as part of the 1,4-dioxane remediation on the Revitalizing Auto Communities Environmental Response (RACER) Trust Lansing Plants 2 & 3 located at the corner of W Saginaw Hwy and N Rosemary St.

What: Staff from the MDEQ and the RACER Trust consultant - ARCADIS will each speak on  the proposed next steps regarding this historic contamination in a well head protection area.  Following the presentations, time will be available for those in attendance to ask questions. During this time, staff from MDEQ, ARCADIS, and RACER Trust will be happy to respond to questions and provide more information and clarification when possible.

Where: Lansing Township Board Room, Charter Township of Lansing, 3209 W Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48917.

When: February 12, 2019            
 6:00-8:00 p.m.            
 6:00-6:30 p.m. Informational Session            
 6:30-8:00 p.m. Informational Session – Question and Answer

When: February 12, 2019
6:00-8:00 p.m.
6:00-6:30 p.m. Informational Session
6:30-8:00 p.m. Informational Session – Question and Answer
For more information, please contact Ms. Christine Matlock at matlockc2@michigan.gov or 517-284-6577.

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Results of Sampling, Former Lansing Plants 2 and 6

 

RACER Trust’s environmental consultant collected storm water samples from manholes at two locations where storm water leaves the former Lansing Plant 2 Property and at five off-site storm sewer manholes in Osborne and Verlinden Streets near where storm water leaves the former Lansing Plant 6 Property. These samples were collected after initial sampling indicated the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in on-site groundwater in excess of the State of Michigan surface water quality standard for PFOS.   The results have been submitted to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE, formerly the Michigan Department Environmental Quality), which is overseeing RACER’s work at its Lansing-area properties.   PFOS was detected above the state standard at one of the two storm water sampling locations at Plant 2. Additional sampling of the Plant 2 storm sewer system was completed on January 26, 2019, to obtain additional data to better isolate potential contributions of PFOS in storm water. This data will be used to help identify and evaluate possible options to mitigate discharge of PFOS to the Ingham County and City of Lansing sewers located north of Plant 2. 

Read the Plant 2 PFAS Storm Sewer Sampling report

Additional work at Plant 6 included installation and sampling of temporary monitoring wells and soil borings as well as collection of samples from adjacent rights-of-way. PFOS and PFOA exceed drinking water criteria at several locations along the eastern property boundary of Plant 6, as well as in the southwest portion of the Site, near a former rinse water cistern. Additional sampling is proposed to complete delineation near the property boundaries.

Read the Plant 6 PFAS Investigation Phase 1 report 

RACER Trust also has submitted to MDEQ a work plan to facilitate biodegradation in the lower 1,4-dioxane plume that extends from the Plant 3 “coliseum” area to the south-central portion of Plant 2.

The details provided in the work plan are subject to updates as MDEQ completes its review and the design work progresses. 
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Proposed 1,4-dioxane Remedial Approach

 

After extensive sampling of Site conditions, testing the approach at the Site and reviews with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, RACER Trust is proposing to remediate the lower 1,4-dioxane plume at the former Lansing Plants 2 & 3 using a technology called biosparging, a technique that involves bubbling air through the groundwater to stimulate biological activity. In this case, RACER Trust is recommending the safe, controlled injection of an air/propane mixture and nutrients into the subsurface to stimulate the activity of microorganisms, which will biodegrade 1,4-dioxane. 1,4-dioxane degrades to non-toxic carbon dioxide and water. The activity, if approved, will be comprehensively monitored to track progress. The technology would be implemented in 2019 and 2020 and is expected to operate 10 or more years.


Read the Interim Measures Work Plan Lower 1,4-Dioxane Biosparge 


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RACER to Conduct Additional Activities in Lansing

 

RACER Trust will install monitoring wells, complete additional soil borings and collect water samples from storm sewers, among other activities, in November and December near its properties in Lansing. A detailed fact sheet can be viewed and downloaded from the link below.
RACER Lansing Project Update, November 2018

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August 2018 Lansing Community Meeting and Project Update


PowerPoint Presentation
Project Fact Sheet
Presentation Posters
USEPA 1,4-Dioxane Fact Sheet
PFAS in Drinking Water Fact Sheet — MDHHS
PFAS FAQs — ATSDR