Uranium in Detroit River: 7 things to know after partial collapse at Detroit Bulk Storage

Bisma Parvez | Detroit Free Press

Show Caption Hide Caption Aerial video of collapsed uranium-contaminated dock in Detroit An aerial video of the Detroit property contaminated with uranium and other dangerous chemicals partially collapsed into the Detroit River.

A downriver property contaminated with uranium and other dangerous chemicals partially collapsed into the Detroit River on Nov. 26. Here are answers to some of the most common questions.

More: Uranium-contaminated site collapses into Detroit River

Should we avoid Detroit River water?

Without knowing more information, it is really hard to speculate what kind of harm, if any, there could be to the public. "While the small amounts of leftover contamination is concerning, risks of harmful radiation exposure are pretty low," said Nick Schroek, associate dean of experiential education at the University of Detroit Mercy and an environmental law expert.

Uranium generally is harmful when ingested in large amounts, which could affect kidney function. It's unlikely that's the case for this incident.

Who is testing Detroit River water?

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is testing the water for radiation and other contaminants on Friday. The radiation test results were expected Friday, but other testing results may take more time, an EGLE spokesman said.

Great Lakes Water Authority is in the process of conducting testing with an independent, third-party laboratory for radionuclides and is requesting an expedited turnaround on these results, the agency said in a statement. It will share these results as soon as they are available. This same testing was conducted in 2014 and no issues were identified.

What is uranium?

Uranium is a radioactive element and the principle fuel for nuclear reactors. It also used in the manufacturing of nuclear weapons.

How did the Detroit River site get contaminated?

During World War ll, The Manhattan Project subcontracted Revere Copper and Brass, which used to operate the site, to build the world’s first atomic bomb. For this reason, Revere Copper and Brass extruded uranium rods for weapons-related production in its Detroit plant between the 1940s and 1950s, according to a 2011 evaluation study by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

“Documentation also suggests that thorium metal (presumably Th-232) was formed, rolled extruded, and/or machined by Revere Copper and Brass sometime during the period above."

More environmental news:

Canada might put its most dangerous nuclear wastes on shores of Lake Huron

Where are Detroit's drinking water intake lines in relation to this collapse?

A statement from the Great Lakes Water Authority stated, "GLWA has two raw water intakes in the Detroit River. One is located several miles upstream of the Detroit Storage site, a portion of which last week partially collapsed into the river. Because it is upstream of the site, there is no danger of any potential water quality issues for the collapse. The second intake is several miles downstream of the Detroit Storage site. However, the intake is located on the Canadian side of the Detroit River, and is not in the direct flow stream of the river where the land collapsed. Because of this, GLWA does not believe that there is any danger of this incident impacting water quality."

Who owns the property?

According to a city of Detroit parcel map, the owner is Revere Dock LLC., based in North Muskegon, Michigan. Revere Dock is a subsidiary of Grand Rapids-based Erickson's.

Who oversees the site?

Classified as a site of low-level uranium, it's unlikely the property was actively monitored.

The site has a complicated history and therefore oversight can overlap, according to Schroek. In general, the Environmental Protection Agency would be the primary agency for a contaminated site. However, because of the Department of Defense's history at that site, it could be U.S. Department of Energy.

According to the City of Detroit, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy currently has jurisdiction over the matter.