Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Michigan

Disclosure of Contamination

I bought Vacant property in Michigan about 1 year ago. It was previously owned by a minning Company. Just recently I recieved a letter stating that the ground water is contaminated and that there are restrictions on the use of ground water by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

They have stated that they are in the process of conducting a Remedial Action on a portion of the property that is either currently owned by the Company or was previously owned. My question pertains to the Minning Company who mined there for over 80 years. Can I hold them responsible in anyway? They surely knew of this in some capacity or another.

Any information would be deeply appreciated.

Thank You!


Asked on 12/09/05, 3:24 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Rochelle Guznack Law Offices of Rochelle E. Guznack, PLLC

Re: Disclosure of Contamination

Generally when one purchases property that was used for the purpose you state it was used for, the purchaser hires an attorney to protect his or her interests to avoid precisely the situation you now find yourself in. An attorney would have had environmental tests performed on the property prior to your purchase of the property. You will need to read your purchase agreement to determine if it contains provisions regarding contamination of the property and who will be responsible for the paying for the remedial work. I strongly urge you to hire an attorney to give you some advice on your options.

Good luck.

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Answered on 12/13/05, 7:28 pm


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