UPDATE: February 26, 2020, 3:00 p.m. - Midland County has been notified by Gratiot County emergency officials that the tested samples taken from the spill site in St. Louis have tested negative for PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). PCBs were once widely used in dielectric and coolant fluids in electrical apparatus such as transformers, and according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PCBs cause cancer in animals and are probable human carcinogens. For more information, please see www.epa.gov/pcbs
Cleanup efforts last night on the Pine River collected around 300 gallons of oil and water. Booms were placed across the Pine River for a period of time last night and those left in turns of the River overnight collected most of the spill. Booms left overnight in Midland and Gratiot counties were reported this morning with having little to no oil absorbed. New booms are being placed as a precautionary measure.
Cleanup efforts will continue in the Bush Creek area. There are no concerns of further contamination of the rivers in Midland. Officials with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) are asking residents an avoid contact with waters of Bush Creek, the Pine, the Chippewa and the Tittabawassee Rivers until further notice.
Residents may contact the EGLE Pollution Emergency Alerting System (PEAS) Hotline at 800-292-4706 with questions or additional information regarding this incident.
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UPDATE: February 25, 2020, 8:20 p.m. - Due to ongoing cleanup efforts and possible additional contaminants, residents should avoid contact with the Pine, Chippewa, and Tittabawassee rivers until further notice. Additional information will be provided as it is received and verified.
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February 25, 2020 – The City of Midland wishes to notify the public regarding a reported oil slick discovered on the Pine River.
Earlier this afternoon, the City of Midland was notified of a possible petroleum sheen approximately 4 – 5 miles in length that was located upstream of Midland on the Pine River. Following an onsite investigation, officials with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) have determined that the sheen is caused by motor oil leaking from heavy equipment at a residence in Saint Louis, Michigan.
The sheen will be visible in the Pine and Tittabawassee Rivers as it passes through Midland.
Residents may contact the EGLE Pollution Emergency Alerting System (PEAS) Hotline at 800-292-4706 with questions or additional information regarding this incident.
