Granholm: More resources needed to fight Michigan oil spill
Image taken along the Kalamazoo River on Wednesday, July 28, 2010. (WXYZ.com)
Click to Watch Video
Posted: 07/27/2010
MARSHALL, Mich. (WXYZ) - The EPA said Wednesday night they believe more than one million gallons of oil may have leaked into the Kalamazoo River, which leads to Lake Michigan.
Officials say they are ramping up efforts to clean up the spill.
Officials say they will double the amount of boom used in their containment efforts. They are also working to establish a rehabilitation center where they will care for the animals affected by the oil spill.
The announcement of the increased efforts comes after Governor Jennifer Granholm criticized the company responsible for the massive oil spill, saying the reaction to the disaster has been anemic. Granholm says Houston based Enbridge Energy has not done enough to stop the flow of oil.
The oil was discovered leaking from a ruptured pipeline in a creek in Marshall. By Tuesday evening the slick had traveled almost 30 miles, creeping closer to Morrow Lake.
The governor declared a state of disaster in Calhoun County and other potentially affected areas to make state resources readily available.
In the path of the oil, animals, including birds and fish. Also homes that have stood for decades are now empty because some residents were forced to leave, but state and local officials say the number of evacuees has been minimal.
The cause for the breach in the 30-inch diameter line is still under investigation, though it has been sealed. State officials say it was last inspected in 2009.
Enbridge Energy’s CEO says his company will be responsible for the damage the slick has caused and will compensate Michigan’s families and businesses. However no commitment has been made about how much the company will spend to repay those affected.
The EPA is overseeing the clean-up, but Enbridge is staffing the clean-up crews. The state does not have trained workers for this type of disaster
PRINT
Top Stories
-
Local kids at White House Science Fair
In an unusual day at the office for a president, Barack Obama played with robots and talked to children instead of Cabinet secretaries or foreign ministers.
-
Landmark deal in foreclosure abuse case
U.S. states reached a landmark $25 billion deal Thursday with the nation's biggest mortgage lenders over foreclosure abuses that occurred after the housing bubble burst.
-
Michigan made pie for cherry month
Great cherry pie recipe to celebrate National Cherry Month
