CHEBOYGAN COUNTY, MI - The state is investigating an oil spill that was discovered earlier this week in the Pigeon River State Forest.
An estimated 50 barrels of crude oil/brine were released in the spill that came from a leaking flowline, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
The spill, located in a wetland area, has not migrated into any creeks, streams, ditches, or rivers, and there are no immediate threats to water wells or the public, an update from EGLE stated.
Lambda Energy field staff were conducting routine daily flowline maintenance on Wednesday, April 16 in the Cheboygan County state forest when they found the faulty line.
Response crews were called in and the State of Michigan’s Pollution Emergency Alert System (PEAS) was notified.
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Vac trucks and remediation crews were dispatched to the site.
Absorbent booms and pads were placed along the margins of the spill.
“Crews have been working diligently to recover fluids,” the update from EGLE stated.
State officials said the Pigeon River Council, the Department of Natural Resources and the Cheboygan County Emergency Manager are all aware of the ongoing activities.
