The Kalamazoo River oil leak has spurred a declaration of a state of emergency in Michigan. At 9:45 a.m. on Monday morning, an oil pipeline started leaking 19,500 barrels of oil to the river. The EPA and Enbridge Energy are working together to try and control the oil slick.
The oil leak of the Kalamazoo River
The cause of the oil pipeline leak isn’t yet known. Thus far, the operator of the pipeline, Enbridge Energy estimates that more than 800,000 gallons of oil dumped into the river. Only about 60 miles from Lake Michigan, the Kalamazoo River oil leak is quickly moving toward the lake. Residents within the area re reporting sickening fumes and wildlife coated with oil.
Promised restitution from Enbridge Energy
As outlined by spokespeople for Enbridge Energy, the business will “do all it can to minimize the spill’s impact on communities.” The 30-inch pipeline was used to carry crude oil from Griffith, Ind., to Sarnia, Ontario. The dedication of Enbridge to the cleanup has been questioned by many politicians. While Enbridge has estimated that 819,000 gallons have spilled, other experts have put the number at 1,000,000 gallons or more. Cleanup will likely cost several hundred million dollars.
Will the EPA help clean up the spill
The EPA has been asked to come help clean up the Kalamazoo River oil leak. There are severe concerns about the Kalamazoo River Superfund cleanup site. Gasoline fumes could interact with the PCBs at the cleanup site. This could create fumes that are toxic to animals and individuals. The EPA has not yet committed to helping clean up the Kalamazoo River oil leak, though they will most likely have heavy involvement — financial or otherwise — within the cleanup.
Further reading
New York Times
nytimes.com/2010/07/29/us/29michigan.html?partner=rss and amp;emc=rss
Blogging for Michigan
bloggingformichigan.com/frontPage.do
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