Sylvan Township received another update on the July 8 incident that led to a temporary drinking water ban and the arrest of a 33-year-old Belleville man last month.

During the August 13 town council meeting, Sylvan Township Supervisor Kathleen Kennedy reported on the incident in which a man broke into the water treatment plant at 18755 Old US 12 Road and caused costly damage.

Kennedy said Sylvan Township filed a FOIA request to see the police report. She said it appears a 33-year-old Belleville man walked from Ann Arbor to Sylvan and to the treatment plant. She said the report shows the man said he believed the plant was abandoned, but he also told police he knew it was a water treatment plant.

Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit told Kennedy the man would face three charges: burglary, which carries a 5-year fine; burglary of a major facility, which carries a 10-year fine; and malicious damage to property (MDOP) between $1,000 and $20,000, which carries a 5-year fine. Kennedy said the MDOP fine could be increased to 10 years if the damage is more than $20,000.

Kennedy said representatives from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) were at the treatment plant the first day the breach was discovered. They issued instructions to the community, instructing them to drain stored water, arrange for disposal of unsealed chemicals, and recalibrate scales and instrument panels. EGLE also required two water tests to be conducted before the ban was lifted. The water was declared safe.

The township also met with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) to conduct a safety walkthrough. The WCSO report stated it was a safe site, but made recommendations to improve safety.

Kennedy said EGLE was pleased with the work the municipality did to remedy the situation and meet the requirements imposed by the state.

The municipality is now in the process of settling the costs of the damage.

“Now we’re checking with our insurance to see what’s covered,” Kennedy said. “This was an expensive accident and some of the costs may not be covered by insurance. We have a $1,000 deductible.”

She added: “I am proud of the team and the way they handled this very unexpected incident.”

Kennedy said she is grateful for the support of the Chelsea Police Department, Michigan State Police, EGLE, WCSO, Debbie Dingell and her office, District Attorney Savit, and community staff, board members and residents.

“Situations like this really show the strength of a community and Sylvan Township has really stepped up,” she said. “We appreciate your understanding and support, whether it’s helping to spread information or bringing cases of water to your neighbors. We should be proud of our community and our resilience.”