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Dioxin Contamination Issues in Midland

Community Meeting on Dioxin

On May 26, 2004, the City sponsored a Community Meeting on Dioxin to inform Midland citizens about proposed soil testing for the chemical by-product. The meeting also provided citizens with an opportunity to voice their questions and concerns to a panel of experts.

During the three-hour meeting, panelists from the MDEQ, the Midland County Health Department, Dow, the City of Midland and its toxicology consultants answered some of the many questions and concerns posed by Midland citizens. However, the City received hundreds of questions prior to the meeting, and not all could be answered during the meeting.

Following the Community Meeting, City staff compiled and categorized the questions and concerns received from Midland citizens. Because so many of the questions and concerns were similar, 15 main questions were developed from the hundreds that the City received. These 15 questions summarize and address the primary concerns of Midland citizens.

Click on the link at right to access the questions and answers.

Resident Response Surveys Taken at Community Meeting

Audience members at the May 26 Community Meeting received a response survey asking for their input on the dioxin issue. Of the estimated 1600 people who attended the meeting, a resounding 41 percent filled out a survey, for a total of 658 surveys. Respondents considered the statements below.

·         I believe the City Council should continue to seek a dioxin health/exposure study prior to the implementation
of additional soil testing.

Yes                                605     (92%)             

No                                  39        (6%)

No opinion/uncertain         14        (2%)

·         I am satisfied with the process that the MDEQ has presented on the dioxin issue and believe that they are adequately addressing my concerns.

Yes                                 53      (08%)            

No                                  577     (88%)

No opinion/uncertain         28       (04%)

Click here or on the link at right to access more detailed information on the survey results.

Presentations from the Community Meeting

At the request of Midland citizens, below are Microsoft PowerPoint® presentations that were used by MDEQ Director Steve Chester and Midland County Health Department Director Michael Krecek during the Community Meeting. The other panelists at the meeting did not utilize electronic presentations.

·         DEQ PowerPoint Presentation

·         MCHD PowerPoint Presentation

In addition, notes from Dow’s Presentation are provided.

(NOTE: Because of the size of the PowerPoint presentations and your computer's Internet connection capabilities, it may take a few minutes for the files to open.)