Governor Granholm Declares State of Disaster in Calhoun County and Threatened Areas Along Kalamazoo River
Last night, Governor Granholm issued an Executive Order that will free up resources to contain and clean up the oil spill on the Kalamazoo River.
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today declared a state of disaster in Calhoun County and potentially affected areas along the Kalamazoo River downstream of Talmadge Creek in response to Monday’s oil spill from a pipeline near Marshall, Michigan.
“This disaster declaration reinforces our efforts to ensure the safety of Michigan citizens and the environment by making any needed state resources readily available,” said Granholm.
Governor Granholm’s disaster declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate all state efforts in preserving and acquiring state resources to assist with immediate threats to public health, safety and the environment related to the July 26 Calhoun County oil spill. Executive Order No. 2010-7 will allow resources from all state departments to be deployed in local response efforts.
Since July 26, state agency personnel have been on scene assisting local response efforts as needed. The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) was activated this afternoon and is coordinating local, state, federal and private sector response efforts.
Citizens are reminded to stay away from the general area of the spill and avoid contact with affected waterways and wildlife. Residents with concerns, those with oil on their property, or people wishing to report affected wildlife can call the Enbridge hotline at 1-800-306-6837.
Watch the Governor’s press conference here:
