November 1st, 2024

On November 1, 2024, Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a lawsuit against Ox Paperboard WP, LLC, alleging the company repeatedly discharged unauthorized wastewater containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from its White Pigeon Mill into local waterways. Despite receiving multiple violation notices from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the company continued its harmful practices without implementing adequate measures to address the contamination.

Nessel’s legal action seeks to hold Ox Paperboard accountable for violating environmental laws, compelling the company to stop its discharges, remediate the contaminated sites, and pay civil penalties for its violations. The lawsuit highlights the Attorney General’s firm stance against corporations that jeopardize public health and Michigan’s natural resources.

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to breakdown, have been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, thyroid problems, and developmental delays in children. Nessel emphasized that the Ox Paperboard case represents just one example of her broader effort to combat PFAS pollution across the state. She continues to support robust state and federal regulations to limit PFAS exposure and ensure that polluters are held fully accountable for environmental damage.

This legal action builds on a series of lawsuits and settlements under Nessel’s leadership, further solidifying her commitment to regulatory enforcement and protecting Michigan’s air, water, and public health from industrial contamination.

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