After severe storms shook West Michigan, the Grand River became a site of environmental concern when it was found glistening with an oil sheen earlier this week. According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the sheen was due to transformers knocked over by the storm, with several situated along Market Avenue SW in Grand Rapids contributing to the slick. These transformers, said to contain mineral oil, released their burden into storm drains leading to the river.
EGLE officials, in a statement reported by WOOD TV, said the oil is thankfully free of toxic PCBs. However, the agency's statement did affirm that the mess made its way into the waterway through storm drains after Sunday's tumultuous weather. Consumers Energy, the utility company responsible for the transformers, also confirmed the lack of PCBs in comments made to WZZM13.
Clean-up operations are now underway, with contractors placing containment measures such as booms and pads within the Grand River to restrict the spill's reach. "We are coordinating our clean up response with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), who have confirmed there are no public drinking water intakes immediately downstream in the Grand River and no anticipated environmental harm to aquatic life due to the nature of the spill and response efforts," relayed Matt Johnson, a Media Relations Specialist for Consumers Energy, as detailed by WWMT.
