Northville Residents Concerned Following Oil Spill into Rouge River

Northville Residents Concerned Following Oil Spill into Rouge River

In a rather alarming turn of events, the peaceful city of Northville is facing scrutiny after a June 21 oil spill connected with the ongoing redevelopment project at the Northville Downs property. The nonprofit organization, Friends of the Rouge, has urged Mayor Brian Trumbull to conduct an investigation into how the spill occurred and to recommend necessary measures to prevent it from happening again.

What Happened?

According to the Michigan Department of the Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), between 80 and 85 gallons of oil were released during the demolition of a building on-site. The oil spilled from eight drums and a storage container, raising eyebrows of environmental advocates and local residents alike. Thankfully, officials quickly determined that there was no immediate danger to the public, and containment procedures were set into motion the very day the spill occurred.

Immediate Response

As part of the cleanup efforts, a containment boom was deployed in the Rouge River that evening, with an additional boom placed the following morning to further control the flow of oil. The developer behind the project, Hunter Pasteur, took swift action by hiring a clean-up contractor who reported back to EGLE a few days later. Fortunately, after last week’s heavy rains, the contractor noted that there was no visible impact on the river itself.

The Ongoing Concerns

While the immediate concerns may have been handled, the Friends of the Rouge remains worried about the long-term effects of this incident on the local ecosystem. Sally Petrella, the organization’s watershed ecologist, emphasized how little oil can do extensive damage, stating that “one gallon of oil can contaminate up to a million gallons of water.” Such contamination could pose a serious threat to the Rouge River and its surrounding waterways, impacting aquatic life and habitats up to 30 miles downstream.

What About the Fish?

Jessica Eiland Anders, president of the board of directors for Friends of the Rouge, expressed particular concern over fish species such as the brown trout and the endangered redside dace. She linked the spill directly to potential long-term ecological challenges for these species and led her to ask tough questions about the impact on ongoing habitat restoration projects.

She pointed out that “millions of taxpayer dollars” have been invested in improving lakes like Newburgh and Nankin, which now feature accessible fishing piers and kayak launches. Eiland Anders questioned how anglers and boaters would react to the presence of oil and the potential decline of the local ecosystem. “How will this spill affect Wilcox and Phoenix Lakes that are currently being restored?” she asked.

City’s Response

The city has acknowledged receipt of the letter from the Friends of the Rouge but indicated that EGLE is the primary regulating agency regarding this situation. Director of Strategic Planning and Special Projects, Wendy Wilmers Longpre, reassured the community that the city had been working closely with EGLE to establish appropriate protocols moving forward.

The Bigger Picture

For context, this property was once home to the Northville Downs horse racing track, which closed its doors in February. The current demolition is part of a large-scale $300 million development project set to create 443 new housing units and several parks, while also reintroducing a previously buried portion of the Rouge River.

The demolition work is expected to wrap up by the end of this month, with vertical construction slated to kick off in the fall. However, Hunter Pasteur has yet to comment on the concerns raised by the Friends of the Rouge.

Conclusion

As investigations and clean-up efforts continue, Northville residents and environmental advocates alike will be watching closely to see if this incident prompts the changes needed to protect the Rouge River and its surrounding habitats. After all, the health of the local ecosystem is vital not just for fish and wildlife, but for the community members who engage with these beautiful natural resources every day.