Company Responsible for Discharge into Holly Retention Pond Had Previous Citation

Company Responsible for Discharge into Holly Retention Pond Had Previous Citation

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Nov. 24, 2025)

Holly, MI – On Nov. 14 a petroleum-based substance substance in a retention pond in Holly prompted a HAZMAT response and an environmental cleanup. Investigation led back to a Holly-based machine shop that had been cited earlier this year for failing to obtain a discharge permit.

The investigation brought the Village of Holly Department of Public Works, Oakland County Water Resources Commission, Oakland County’s HAZMAT team, and Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy together.

“The Holly DPW and EGLE traced it through the local storm drains to Wolverine Machine Company at 319 Cogshall St. WRC did a dye test and found they had swept floor cleaning into the floor drain,” said Water Resource Commissioner Jim Nash.  “The discharge was contained in the drainage pond and did not impact the nearby county drain. EGLE was having the facility owner clean out the pond and impacted storm drains and is handling enforcement and corrective action at the facility.”

According to EGLE Public Information Officer Josef Greenberg Stephens, “An environmental cleanup company was contracted to remove the contaminated water from the pond and the affected storm sewer system. This work has continued into this week and may include additional cleanup or testing to ensure the storm sewer system and pond are adequately remediated.

“The business signed a contract with the cleanup company and is responsible for payment.  Additional costs or penalties will be decided by future agreements or enforcement actions.”