Sunday 1 August 2010

Michigan Governor Warns of Oil Spill Threat - NY Times


photo credit NY Times via Andre J. Jackson/Detroit Free Press, via Associated Press


The pipeline is closed, but more than 800,000 gallons of oil have already spilled into the Kalamazoo River in Michigan. The pipeline belongs to Enbridge, a Canadian company.

"On the river on Wednesday, Dan Backus arrived at his favorite fishing spot and found black water and oil-soaked plants. Looking out at the damage from the spill, he mourned the loss of fish and vegetation. “It’s all destroyed,” said Mr. Backus, 64. “I’m just sick about it.”"

Environmental groups and citizens in the area are questioning Enbridge's response and clean up efforts. It took the company several hours to report the leak in the first place, and oil has traveled farther downstream than originally thought. Some residents along the river have been evacuated to hotels due to the fumes.

Workers are fighting to stop the oil before it reaches Lake Michigan, where thousands of people get their water.

Full article here (NY Times)

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