Brockovich looking at Fennville water

FENNVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) - Nationally known environmental activist Erin Brockovich is getting involved in the cause of Allegan County residents who say a local food plant is contaminating their well water.

Brockovich was made famous in a 2000 Hollywood movie about her life. Actress Julia Roberts won an Oscar portraying Brockovich who successfully fought a gas and electric company that was polluting and making people sick.

In an e-mail to 24 Hour News 8, Brockovich confirms she and her team are working on the case of contaminated wells in the Fennville area and gathering documents regarding chemicals discharged by nearby vegetable plant Birds Eye Foods.

24 Hour News 8 reported last summer that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is investigating higher than acceptable levels of arsenic and manganese in some water wells.

Birds Eye Foods does not discharge arsenic and manganese. However, it does discharge organic material, sugar, salt, and nutrients, and the DEQ says those deplete the oxygen in the groundwater, thereby allowing the heavy metals to enter. Because Birds Eye doesn't directly put arsenic and manganese in the ground, the company says it doesn't feel responsible.

Brockovich informed 24 Hour News 8 she is planning a community meeting in West Michigan in the near future.

On the Net:

Erin Brockovich's Web site

Birds Eye Foods

Erin Brockovich the movie