September 19th, 2025

Attorney General Dana Nessel reached a settlement with past and present owners of a paper mill in White Pigeon for releasing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the environment. PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are persistent in the environment. They do not break down and will bioaccumulate, posing severe health and environmental problems. 

These two settlements will require Ox Paperboard to pay $95,200 in penalties for repeated violations of state environmental laws. The settlement requires Ox Paperboard to close a former wastewater lagoon that contaminated groundwater, address PFAS in stormwater, conduct an engineering evaluation of its wastewater treatment system, and prevent further unapproved discharges to surface or groundwater. ​This settlement payment is in addition to a settlement reached in April 2025 that included a nearly $1.2 million payment, with almost all of the payment dedicated to cleanup at the White Pigeon site.  

​Through this lawsuit, AG Nessel continues to prove that polluters will be held accountable for past and present actions and to stand up for Michigan residents’ access to a safe environment and clean water. Michigan LCV supports AG Nessel’s continued defense against polluters of Michigan’s water and environment.

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