Clean Watershed Campaign

Through a Mother’s Eyes

Through a Mother’s Eyes
Marcia Woodman

I heard about Dow’s dioxin contamination on the Tittabawassee River in early 2002. I live on the river and wondered what dioxin was. In the coming months the state warned us to wear masks and to avoid contact with soil and sediments in the river. I have three small children who claimed the river and its banks as their playground.

My property was eventually tested and the numbers were not too high. Frankly though I didn’t want any dioxin in my backyard. This is where my children played. Immediately off my property in a wooded area the dioxin numbers were very high.

Since that testing many years ago my property has flooded numerous time. I’ve no clue what samples would reveal today. The state says the frequently flooded properties are contaminated. Makes sense to me.

My children no longer play down by the river or the adjacent trails. There are rules to safeguard them and avoid them having contact with dioxin and whatever else was dumped in the river. I no longer view my property with same set of eyes. I live and raise my kids on a very contaminated river and it just more than any parent should have to deal with. These are my children and my job as a parent is to keep them safe. It’s frustrating not being able to control their backyard environment. I worry about my kids, their health, the future, and the value of my property. Every time the river floods I wonder and worry a bit more.