Local Michigan Residents Sue GM Over Contaminated Water Supply

A new lawsuit filed against General Motors alleges the automaker has known about contaminated water supplies in Brighton Township, Michigan, and has covered it up for the past 30 years.

The Detroit News reported last Friday that the lawsuit, filed by two attorneys on behalf of six residents, claims high levels of salt from the Milford Proving Grounds has led to the contaminated water. High levels of salt in water can lead to high blood pressure and damage the kidneys and liver.

The proving grounds allegedly released thousands of tons of salt in the last three decades and goes on to say GM knew of the issue without alerting regulatory bodies.

GM responded and dismissed the lawsuit and defended itself by saying salt deposits occur naturally. Local roads are treated with high quantities of salt during winter months as well.

“Nonetheless, acting as a good neighbor, salt usage at the Milford Proving Ground has been reduced by 60 percent over the last two decades and GM submits regular reports on the groundwater quality at the Milford Proving Ground to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality,” the company said in a statement.

Former GM Authority staff writer.

Sean Szymkowski

Former GM Authority staff writer.

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