BATTLE CREEK, MI (WNWN/WTVB) – The Battle Creek Bombers of the Northwoods League feel the City of Battle Creek has hit a foul ball.
The Bombers were recently notified that the city has banned fireworks displays at C.O. Brown Stadium indefinitely after they cited a study performed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy showed that commercial fireworks increased the level of perchlorates that were found in the groundwater in Evart, Michigan.
According to the E.P.A., perchlorates can become a health concern if they get above a certain level.
The ballpark is in the city’s wellfield and City Engineer Carl Fedders told the Battle Creek Enquirer, “We operate out of an abundance of caution, and the situation at Evart gave us some concern with what we experience in our wellhead. It’s no fault of the Bombers, but we are very protective of our source of water.”
He added the risk of contamination is too high even though tests at the well sites near C.O. Brown Stadium did not show perchlorates. Fireworks shows at the stadium go back to 1995 which was the first season of baseball for the Michigan Battle Cats.
Bombers Managing Partner, Brian Colopy said in a team statement:
“We absolutely understand the importance of safety for our fans and the community that we serve. We have proven to host safe fireworks displays for 14 years. This change in policy is sad for our fans that come to expect these shows every summer. Even with this, we are laser focused on providing an amazing summer for Battle Creek in a year when our community needs it more than ever. We are working behind the scenes with local partners and staff to build a brand new promotional schedule to highlight our 15th season in Battle Creek. We expect to announce more details in the coming weeks.”
The Bombers kick off their 15th season on May 31st when they host the Kalamazoo Growlers.
