February 14, 2007

The Department of Environmental Quality has authorized $550,000 to address environmental and public health hazards at the Butler Motor Speedway in Branch County. The banked, unpaved oval racetrack, located eight miles northeast of Coldwater, has been in continuous operation since 1947.

"This clean-up project will provide a great benefit to the local community," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "Although funds are tight, the risks at this site justify priority action to ensure the public health is protected."

Prior to the property being acquired by the current owner in 1996, waste oil was applied to the track to improve driving conditions and control dust. Unused oil was also stored in above ground tanks and pits located west of the track. In response to complaints from spectators and local residents, the DEQ collected soil samples to determine the risks to the public. Laboratory analysis subsequently identified a direct contact risk due to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the soil around the track, in the infield, and in the pits.

To significantly reduce risks to the community, the DEQ will use the funding announced today to remove the waste oil and contaminated soil. Additional investigation will be conducted to ensure the remaining soil does not pose a health risk.

Funding for this project comes from the Clean Michigan Initiative bond passed by voters in 1998. The DEQ has used these funds over the years for a variety of successful cleanup initiatives, however, very little of it remains to continue to support these types of projects.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised February 14, 2007 by Pat Watson