MLive - U.S. Rep Brenda Lawrence Requests full Analysis of Clinton River Spill

Press Release

Within a few days, the Environmental Protection Agency said it had contained and collected the contaminant first spotted in a Rochester Hills section of the Clinton River the afternoon of May 31.

U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence, D-Southfield, wants more information.

Officials said they substance created a sheen on top of the water and was likely diesel fuel or another petroleum-based product. It was being tested last week.

The congresswoman wants to know for sure. She also wants to know who is responsible, if there is evidence that points to a culprit.

The 80-mile-long Clinton River originates northwest of Pontiac in Oakland County and flows into Lake St. Clair in Macomb County's Mount Clemens.

"Some people may quibble about the size of the spill, but any contamination of our water sources is a potential health threat to humans as well as the environment and wildlife and a matter that I take extremely seriously," Lawrence said in a prepared statement Monday.

The source of the spill had stopped discharging by Wednesday, Jeff Lippert, an on-site coordinator for the Environmental Protection Agency, told MLive last week.

Initially, it was estimated up to 1,500 gallons had spilled into the river, but after several days cleaning up at the scene, Lippert estimates the actual number is probably closer to 500 gallons. He said a "good portion" of the contamination was collected using absorbent booms that float atop the water.

The river travels through pipes fed by sewers from numerous businesses in Pontiac, and with the river at flood stage last wee, Lippert said pinpointing exactly where it came from hadn't been possible.

Source