KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Some industrial process wastewater has been released into a Kalamazoo storm sewer system.
According to the city, Kalamazoo Department of Public Services officials were made aware of an industrial facility’s accidental liquid release into the storm sewer located at 1500 North Pitcher Street on Thursday, October 20th.
The release, which happened around 6:33 a.m. is believed to have come from Graphic Packaging International’s plant. Department of Public Services staff has coordinated efforts with Graphic Packaging International to assess the impact of the release on the Kalamazoo River estimated to be between 1,500 to 2,000 gallons.
They went onto say that the source of the release was an internal sump that overflowed out a roll-up door to a storm water ditch located on the property, draining into the North Limits Drain and the Kalamazoo River.
City staff are currently assessing the impact to the surrounding area and the Kalamazoo River between Paterson Street Bridge and D Avenue Street Bridge.
Remediation actions have been initiated by Graphic Packaging International and the City of Kalamazoo to mitigate impact to the environment.
At this time the City of Kalamazoo Department of Public Services, in cooperation with the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department, are advising all persons to avoid contact around the affected areas, which includes the Kalamazoo River from Paterson Street Bridge to D Avenue Bridge.
All surface water activities including swimming, wading, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking should cease in this area. It is also recommended that all persons avoid these areas and keep pets and children away until the area is assessed and remediated.
This advisory will remain in effect until further investigation and sampling indicates that risk has been minimized. Additional information will be available after sampling results are received.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality at the Kalamazoo District Office and the Kalamazoo County Environmental Health and Community Services have been notified of the spill.
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