Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU), is planning to gather soil borings in the near future at the site of a former manufactured gas plant in the City of Coldwater, a Michigan Gas Utilities official said today. Paul Livernois, External Affairs Manager for Michigan Gas Utilities, said the company was coordinating the upcoming study with officials in the City of Coldwater and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ.)

“Based on historical research at the site known as Upton Plaza, located near the corner of Chicago and Clay Streets, we need to perform these borings to help us determine our next course of action with the site. Results from this sampling will determine if residual material from the former manufactured gas plant operation is present, or not. We are taking these initial actions as part of MGU’s commitment to protect and improve the environment in Coldwater,” Livernois said.

A predecessor company of Michigan Gas Utilities constructed the original manufactured gas plant on Chicago Street in 1862. The plant operated until 1928. “To make a long story short," Livernois added, "we may interfere with some city parking for a couple days, most likely Monday & Tuesday, June 21st and 22nd , while we’re taking these samples and we’d like to apologize upfront for that inconvenience.”. Michigan Gas Utilities provides natural gas distribution services to nearly 167,000 customers in Michigan