State, local officials investigate ‘very small’ petroleum spill on Clinton River - The Macomb Daily

State, local officials investigate ‘very small’ petroleum spill on Clinton River - Macomb Daily

A “very small” oil spill that was discovered on the Canal Drain in Clinton Township late last week shows no sign of expanding, representatives of Macomb County’s Public Works Office said Monday.

Regardless, local and state environmental officials are treating the petroleum spill like a major leak as they continue to investigate its cause and origin.

“While we believe that the amount of the spill to be very small, we are treating this matter very seriously like we would any spill,” Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller said in a statement.

Clinton Township’s Department of Public Works contacted county officials late Friday about a reported oil spill near a subdivision.

According to Miller’s office, the township’s fire department placed a boom on the Canal Drain, located near Canal and Clinton River roads, to absorb any suspected petroleum product on the surface. An absorbent substance was applied on the pavement of a nearby residential street, Sandy Lane, to dry up liquid.

No oil sheen was seen in the drain after sunrise Saturday morning.

On Sunday, a Macomb County Public Works construction inspector visited and inspected the site. The inspector reported very little sheen was noticeable at that time.

Absorbent pads and additional booms were scheduled to be put in the drain Monday afternoon. Officials said when the storm water in the drain is flowing clearly, they will be removed.

Miller said her office has notified the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy about the spill.

“I’d like to commend the Clinton Township DPW and Fire Department personnel for responding to this incident quickly to contain it and for following the joint communication protocols our office has in place with local fire departments so that we can act quickly as well when any hazardous material spills reach our drains,” she said.

Local authorities continue to investigate the possible cause and source of the petroleum spill.

Anyone who spots suspected petroleum or other potential hazardous substances in a Macomb County drain is asked to call the Public Works Office’s 24-hour toll free emergency hotline at 1-877-679-4337.