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Chemicals dumped there decades ago are now being blamed for contaminating well water in the area.
The Ryfiaks, along with others who live on House Street, are also worried their property value will plummet because of the contaminated water.
While contamination has only been confirmed in wells near the old landfill on House Street, the concerns reach far beyond that. Three other suspected Wolverine Worldwide dump sites have been discovered elsewhere around Rockford, prompting more testing, more health concerns and more questions about home values.
“I’m sure it’s going to impact the marketability just because of the amount of unknowns,” appraiser John Meyer told 24 Hour News 8 Tuesday.
With so many questions remaining — including if, when and how the problem can be fixed — Meyer said it may be too early to determine the full impact on property values.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Environmental Assistance Center can be reached at 1.800.662.9278.