Marshall Township residents, especially those living near the Kalamazoo River and Talmadge Creek continue to experience the effects of the July 26, 2010, crude oil pipeline 6B rupture which occurred in Fredonia Township. The onset of winter will limit field activity to mainly monitoring. Remedial activities will return in the spring of 2011. Residents are encouraged, however, to be vigilant and report any suspected sighting of oil in or in close proximity to the river and creek to the oil spill hotline 1-800-306-6837.

The Calhoun County Board of Commissioners has established an Oil Spill Task Force which will begin to tackle longer term issues. Chief among issues will be dealing with property values. Residents should participate in or monitor expected public discussions of the Task Force regarding this longer term issue as well as continuing concerns over ground water quality and the impact of the spill on wildlife and the environment.

Marshall Township government and our fire department will remain as “cooperating agencies.” A member of our township Board will continue to attend meetings associated with the clean up and restoration efforts as well as participating in the County Task Force.

Enbridge has fully reimbursed the township for all expenses related to cooperating agency services. The County Road Commission is pursuing its claim relating to damages that may have resulted to roads used during the response activities.

The National Transportation Safety Board continues its inspection of the ruptured section of pipeline and overall investigation of the rupture, events leading up to it and the response. The NTSB report and any recommendations are not expected until later in 2011. The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has transferred lead government agency duties to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE) but remains an active partner in follow up activities. The Calhoun County Department of Public Health will continue its vigilance in matters concerning public health such as groundwater monitoring.

For detailed information, please visit the special EPA website at http://www.epa.gov/enbridgespill where you will not only find a wealth of information but also links to other involved agencies.

The Enbridge website at http://response.enbridgeus.com/response also continues to be available. The Enbridge Community Resource Centers at 333 South Kalamazoo Avenue in Marshall and 77 East Michigan Avenue (Commerce Pointe Building) in Battle Creek remain open. Residents with concerns, claims or questions can either call the hotline at 1-800-306-6837 or visit one of the centers.

Updated 11-9-2010