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A sheen on a Huron River back channel still has not been identified, but one possible source has.
While the investigation continues, on Monday investigators discovered an underground storage tank that they’ve identified as a possible source of the leak. According to Jill Greenberg, a spokeswoman with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, the tank was discovered by representatives of the federal Environmental Protection Agency and excavators trying to find where the leak is coming from.
Greenberg said the tank is located on property owned by Flat Rock Metal.
“Samples of the liquid within (the tank) were sent off to a lab to be analyzed,” she said. “Work continues to identify any other possible USTs. We’re casting a wide net trying to find the source of the leak. It is still active, but it’s well-contained by several lines of booms in the channel.”
She said the unknown substance is being removed with vacuum trucks.
The chemical leak was first discovered by a fisherman Feb. 21. Following protocol, EGLE, the EPA and Wayne County officials were promptly notified of the discovery. Work to contain, remove and identify the unknown substance has been ongoing since that time.
Shortly after the substance was discovered, Flat Rock Mayor Mark Hammond said it appears to be a hydrocarbon type of product that produced a blue sheen on the water, adding that it has a smell similar to gasoline or kerosene.
According to Greenberg, on Friday the EPA located a vent pipe on nearby industrial property owned by Flat Rock Metal. The agency issued a notice of federal interest, asking the business to investigate if there is a potential source on its property.
On Tuesday, EGLE brought in a boat that has sonar and an underwater camera. They deployed a remote operating vehicle that Greenberg described as similar to a submarine that can see potential sources under the water.
“It appears to be coming up from the water,” Greenberg said.
The EPA has taken several samples of the substance that have been sent to a lab for analysis, but investigators are waiting on the results.
Huroc Park had been closed due to the environmental investigation, but officials announced Tuesday that the park will reopen at 9 a.m. Friday.
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