Risks Ease from Gas Leak but People Still Out of Homes
FLAT ROCK, Mich. (AP) — Organizers canceled a popular two-day festival that was planned for the weekend of Sept. 10, part of the fallout from a gasoline leak in the sewer system that was traced to a Ford Motor Co. factory in southeastern Michigan.
The factory, which makes Mustangs, was no longer releasing contaminants into the Flat Rock system, according to state regulators, but some residents voluntarily agreed to leave their homes. Drinking water lines were not affected.
“Tests over the last 48 hours consistently show levels of gas in the sewer system below explosive thresholds. There is no longer risk of explosion,” the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy said.
Flat Rock was turning on hydrants to try to push any contaminants through the system to the wastewater treatment plant, Fire Chief Jim Katona said.
The city also was awaiting air-monitoring equipment from the state. Meanwhile, Flat Rock Riverfest, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, was canceled.
“I want to apologize again for what happened and the people whose lives are impacted,” said Ford Motor environmental and safety officer Bob Holycross.
The company created a $1 million relief fund and lined up hotel rooms for people who left their homes, 25 miles south of Detroit.
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