Dow Inc. containment ponds were flooded early Wednesday after two dams failed in Midland, Mich. Flood levels were reported at historic highs in the area.
Dow’s flood preparedness plan has been activated, the company said in a statement. Dow is a key supplier to the auto industry for various chemicals and plastics. It also manufactures adhesive bondings for vehicles and makes safety-enhanced airbag coatings.
It was too early to determine whether Dow’s problems could lead to production disruptions for its automotive customers, who already were in crisis mode as they restarted some North American production amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“The material from the pond commingling with the flood waters does not create any threat to residents or environmental damage,” Dow said in an updated statement Wednesday. “There has been no reported product releases.”
After days of heavy rainfall led to the dam failures, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency late Tuesday for the city…
