A Hidden Threat Beneath the Surface: Soil Contamination Livonia, MI
Nestled just east of the Ford Livonia Transmission Plant, Alden Village is a quiet, well-kept neighborhood, but in 2016, residents received alarming news.
Letters from Ford Motor Company revealed a toxic groundwater plume containing vinyl chloride and trichlorethylene—both known carcinogens—migrated beyond the plant’s property line and was now present beneath nearly two-thirds of the homes in the subdivision.
While Ford reassured residents their drinking water was safe, many quickly recognized that the real danger wasn’t in the tap—it was in the air.
With extremely shallow groundwater and sandy soils, vapor can easily rise and enter homes, even through small, posing a serious risk of vapor intrusion. For many residents, this discovery marks one of the most troubling examples of groundwater contamination around Livonia in recent history.
Property Damage, Legal Battles, and Community Concern
Groundwater testing wells now dot the neighborhood’s front yards, and homes are lingering on the market, some tied up in lawsuits over non-disclosure of the contamination.
Although Ford and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) entered into a consent agreement to manage the cleanup, residents say progress has been slow and ineffective. While a pump-and-treat system is operating at the plant’s edge, many believe it’s doing little to stop the soil contamination Livonia MI from affecting their properties. Meanwhile, concerns grow about property value loss, health risks, and structural concerns like foundation water damage in Livonia, as homeowners navigate both uncertainty and inaction.
New Soil Mapping Reveals More About Livonia’s Risk
Amid these concerns, new data from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides added insight into what lies beneath neighborhoods like Alden Village. In partnership with Detroit and 23 surrounding municipalities, NRCS mapped more than 173,000 acres of soil, including newly classified types unique to metro Detroit. One of those is called “Livonia soil,” a poorly drained sandy loam with a surface layer of human-transported material.
This soil is common throughout the area and reflects the challenging conditions that contribute to basement water issues in Livonia, MI. Combined with shallow groundwater, poor drainage, and decades of industrial activity, these soils create the perfect conditions for both vapor intrusion and water seepage.
How Contaminated Soil Affects Foundations in Livonia
In areas like Alden Village and other parts of Livonia, industrial activity and aging infrastructure have created a new challenge for homeowners: contaminated soil. Beyond the environmental concerns, this pollution can directly impact the health and stability of your home’s foundation.
Here’s how soil contamination in Livonia MI can lead to serious foundation problems:
- Soil Structure Changes: Heavy metals and chemical pollutants, such as vinyl chloride and trichlorethylene, can break down or alter the natural makeup of soil. This reduces its ability to support your foundation evenly, leading to sinking and cracks.
- Water Retention and Movement: Contaminated soil often disrupts how water moves and drains. This can cause water pooling next to house, putting hydrostatic pressure on your foundation and leading to shifting, leaks, or erosion.
- Concrete Deterioration: Some chemicals in polluted soil can react with concrete over time, weakening walls and footings, especially if your home already has thin or aging basement walls.
- Poor Drainage: Soil that’s compacted, disturbed, or chemically altered may trap moisture near the foundation, contributing to long-term basement water issues in Livonia MI.
Signs Your Livonia Home May Be Affected
If you live near known groundwater contamination around Livonia, like in Alden Village, it’s important to watch for these signs:
- Cracks in foundation walls or basement floors
- Bowing basement walls
- Musty odors or mold in the basement
- Sticking doors and windows caused by shifting floors
- Persistent water pooling next to your house, especially after rain
These are all warning signs of foundation water damage in Livonia and shouldn’t be ignored.
Fixing the Problem: What You Can Do
DIY Options for Homeowners
- Improve Drainage: Redirect roof runoff by extending downspouts and ensuring your yard slopes away from the foundation.
- Stabilize Soil with Mulch: Mulch helps moderate moisture levels in the soil close to your foundation.
- Raised Flower Beds: Create natural barriers that keep water away from your home and add curb appeal.
When to Call the Pros
If you’re dealing with ongoing issues or suspect structural damage, it’s time to contact the experts:
- Foundation piers to lift and stabilize sinking areas of your home
- Wall repair systems, including anchors or steel I-beams, to fix and support bowing basement walls
- Interior drainage systems and sump pumps to control groundwater before it enters your basement
Why Foundation Systems of Michigan Is the Right Choice
When it comes to foundation and waterproofing problems caused by soil contamination in Livonia MI, experience matters. At Foundation Systems of Michigan, we’ve seen it all and fixed it all. From aging concrete to chemical-damaged soil, our team knows what it takes to restore your home’s foundation safely and permanently.
We use proven methods tailored to the specific conditions of Southeast Michigan soil and groundwater. Whether you need crack repair, water management, or full structural reinforcement, we’ll design a solution that works, and we’ll stand behind it.
Schedule your free inspection today, and let us help protect your Livonia home from the ground up.
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Leah Leitow
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