Subject: 2 spills on Huron River
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:58:03 -0400
From: eriggs@HRWC.ORG
To: ahknaten74@hotmail.com

Here’s the summary from the City’s Water Quality Manager:

Two events occurred last night that you should be aware of in case you get calls:

Last night a citizen observed a white-yellow grease-like substance in the river at 7:30 pm and called 911. Our FD was first responder and found the substance coming from a 36” UM outfall into the river near the hospital (just down from the helicopter pad). Booms were placed at the outfall and at Gallup to capture the material. UM OESH was called on site and took responsibility for the remainder of cleanup and reporting, as it was their system. The substance is unknown, but a small-volume sample has been collected and will be analyzed if possible (not sure if sample size sufficient).   The quantity of the discharge is unknown, but it was observed floating down the river for a couple hours.  The booms near the outfall were compromised with the storm later that night but the boom in Gallup remained intact and should have captured all of the material. 

I’ve talked with FD, Emerg.Mgt and Cheryl Saam, and notified the WCWRC Kevin Ernst, and the WWTP in case they get any calls.  Sumedh, Matt are aware of this as well

In the same evening, a blown manhole cover near Chapin street hit the bottom of an AAPD patrol car and caused the gas tank to rupture, releasing 15 gallons of gas onto the roadway. AAPD secured the area and cleaned up the spill. It is unknown if any material made it into the stormdrain. 

Elizabeth Riggs
Watershed Planner
Huron River Watershed Council
1100 N. Main Street, Suite 210
Ann Arbor, MI 48104