© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

A year later, Michigan oil spill cleanup continues

By AP

MARSHALL, MI –
About 550 people continue to work cleaning up the Kalamazoo River in southern Michigan nearly a year after an oil spill from an Enbridge Inc. pipeline.

The spill of more than 800,000 gallons was reported on July 26, 2010, although some residents reported smelling fumes the night before. More than 90 percent of the oil has been recovered, and much of the remaining oil has settled at the river bottom.

The submerged oil is more difficult to clean up than when it's on the surface. Some residents and regulators would not be surprised if the cleanup continues into next year or beyond in some locations.

More than 35 miles of the river is closed to the public.

The affected Enbridge pipeline stretches from Griffith, Ind., to Sarnia, Ontario.

WKAR has closed the gap left by the loss of federal funding. Because of you, trusted journalism, inspiring stories, and classical music remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan.
Now the work continues — your monthly gift helps maintain this success and keeps public media free for all.