Mystery sludge re-emerges at Detroit-Melvindale border

Authorities are working to identify fluid that has twice spilled out near the Detroit-Melvindale border and prompted part of Schaefer Road to be closed for hours Monday.

The foam-like substance also emerged in the same area under a viaduct near Interstate 75 last week, said Steve Densmore, Dearborn assistant fire chief. The sludge eventually receded, and officials still are awaiting state test results for identification but do not believe it was hazardous, he said.

A passerby spotted the material bubbling up again about 5 p.m. Monday and called Melvindale police.

Officers closed the intersection as fire crews, a hazmat team and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality investigated.

Samples are expected to be tested, Densmore said.