Sylvan Lake Fuel Spill Cleanup Complete. WRC Says Source Undetermined
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Sept. 5, 2018)
Sylvan Lake, MI- Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash announced that the cleanup of spilled fuel in Sylvan Lake has been completed, and that the source has not been determined.
According to the press release, “The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioners’ Office (WRC) joined multiple agencies to address the diesel fuel spill that impacted Sylvan Lake on the evening of Saturday, September 1, 2018. A fuel sheen was reported along the north shore of the lake, and collected at the outlet of the lake, on the west side of the bridge at Telegraph Road, and was going into the Clinton River under Telegraph Road.
“The spill was first reported to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, who initiated an immediate response by the Oakland County Hazmat Division, the Oakland County Office of Homeland Security, the West Bloomfield Fire Department, the Waterford Fire Department, the Sylvan Lake Fire Department, and Oakland County WRC.
“Booming was installed at Telegraph Road and further downstream on the Clinton River and the Dam at Dawson’s Mill Pond, which was closed to contact and collect the spill. Additional agencies contributing to the effort included the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) who assisted in trying to locate the source for the spill.”
Oakland County Sheriff’s Office reported Monday that the source was believed to be a gas station on Telegraph Road. However, Nash said that further investigation showed that the fuel did not come from the gas station. “The exact source is unknown, but it was something above ground,” Nash said. “It could have been dumped into the lake intentionally or by accident. We just don’t know. These things are hard to find the source…. If it was an underground leak there would have been more, and it would likely be ongoing.”
The last of the cleanup efforts were completed Wednesday morning, and the lake was tested to ensure no more fuel was present. Nash estimated that less than ten gallons of fuel were in the lake, and stated that there would be no long term effects on the wildlife or residents.
“My team reacted quickly and thoroughly, leading efforts to contain and clean up the spill. We appreciate working with the other agencies on this issue,” Nash said.
If a resident sees any suspicious behavior around like pouring items around or into street storm drains, ponds, lakes or rivers, contact the WRC’s 24 hour pollution hotline at 248-858-0931, or contact the sheriff’s office at 248-858-5001.