auto ion chemicals, inc.

74 MILL STREET

The 1.5 acre Auto Ion Chemicals, Inc., (Auto Ion) Superfund site is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. From 1914 to 1956, the city of Kalamazoo operated a coal burning electrical generating station on the site. Between 1964 and 1973, Auto Ion treated chromium plating wastes at its facility and stored liquid waste in an open air lagoon and in five process storage tanks located in the basement of one of the facility buildings. About 122,000 gallons of liquid plating wastes and sludges were stored in other various locations on site. During the plant's operation, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) documented numerous instances of discharges of contaminants to the soil, groundwater, and to the adjacent Kalamazoo River. MDNR ordered Auto Ion to cease operations in 1973. The closest residence is located about 500 feet north of the site and about 2,300 residents live within one-half mile.