News Summary
A semi truck spill of ferric chloride led to significant traffic disruptions at Middlebelt and Eight Mile Roads. Response teams were mobilized to manage the hazardous situation safely, ensuring no health risks to the public. Authorities coordinated cleanup efforts, allowing for road reopenings the following day.
Farmington Hills, MI – A semi truck leaked approximately 300 gallons of ferric chloride, a hazardous and corrosive material, at the intersection of Middlebelt Road and Eight Mile Road on Monday, May 19, 2025, around 5 p.m. The spill prompted a temporary road closure impacting both Farmington Hills and the adjoining city of Livonia, creating significant disruptions for local traffic.
Hazardous materials response teams, including the Western Wayne Hazardous Materials Response Team, were mobilized to address the situation swiftly. Emergency personnel donned specialized level A hazmat suits to safely approach the semi-trailer and stop the leak from further contaminating the area.
Ferric chloride is primarily utilized in the treatment of sewage, industrial waste, and water purification processes. It is also employed in etching circuits and the manufacturing of various chemicals. The material poses serious health risks; it can cause severe burns and irritation upon contact with skin and is harmful if ingested or if it enters the eyes. This characteristic led officials to express concern regarding public safety, emphasizing the gravity of hazardous material incidents.
The incident affected commuting patterns, with authorities advising motorists to seek alternate routes and remain vigilant for delays. Eight Mile Road was reopened at approximately 11 a.m. on Tuesday following cleanup efforts, while sections of Middlebelt Road remained closed until around 2:30 p.m. Authorities coordinated responses with the Livonia Fire and Rescue and Livonia Police to secure the area and mitigate the effects of the spill.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, authorities stated that there was no health risk posed to the surrounding community. Communication was established with local entities, including senior care facilities and other community organizations, to ensure that residents were informed of the situation.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy extended support for the remediation efforts, focusing on restoring safety and normal operations in the area. Following cleanup, reports indicated that although there might be some discoloration left on the roadway, no lasting damage from the spill is expected.
Safety protocols mandated that the public maintain a safe distance of at least 500 feet from the hazardous site to prevent exposure during the response efforts. Cleanup continued well into Tuesday, with a contracted crew from the trucking company working under supervision to restore the area.
This incident has heightened awareness concerning the handling of hazardous materials and the emergency response procedures in place for such spills. It serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by substances routinely used in industrial processes and the importance of preparedness in safeguarding public safety.
Officials continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary, reinforcing the community’s commitment to ensuring safety and effectively managing hazardous material responses.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit News
- Wikipedia: Ferric Chloride
- CBS News
- Google Search: Hazardous Material Response
- WXYZ Detroit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chemical Spills
- ClickOnDetroit
- Google News: Farmington Hills Chemical Spill
- Fox 2 Detroit
