GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The state is suing a St. Joseph County paper company for alleged PFAS contamination into the environment, according to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

In a news release, the attorney’s office said it has filed a lawsuit against Ox Paperboard WP, LLC and White Pigeon Mills, LCC, to seek compliance with Michigan’s environmental laws.

The lawsuit claims that since Ox Paperboard started operating the White Pigeon Mill in St. Joseph County in June 2020, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy issued seven violation notices for improperly discharging PFAS-contaminated wastewater into the White Pigeon River and failed to properly close wastewater lagoons on the mill property.  

The state seeks the proper closure of the wastewater lagoons and the end of unauthorized discharges, civil fines, costs, and damages, according to a news release.

“As Attorney General, I have prioritized protecting Michigan’s environment and holding polluters accountable,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a news release. “When companies operating in Michigan fail to respect our laws and our communities, our Department will not hesitate to use its full authority under the law to defend our public health and our natural resources. It is unacceptable for companies like Ox Paperboard to pollute Michigan’s precious water and put the health and safety of Michigan families at risk.”