CHEBOYGAN — State officials are investigating an oil release into a wetland at Pigeon River Country State Forest in Cheboygan County.
According to an April 18 news release, about 50 barrels of crude oil and brine were released from a compromised oil flowline owned by Kalkaska-based Lambda Energy Resources. The leak was first observed the evening of April 16, and Lambda immediately ceased production and then reported the situation to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
The release impacts approximately one acre of land that stretches 150 yards in a North/Northwest path leading to a wetland valley. The land is located in Afton, about 1.25 miles south of the Black River.
The spill is in a wetland area, but has not migrated into any creeks, streams, ditches or rivers, and there are no immediate threats to water wells or the public.
Contractors have placed absorbent booms at the site, and vac trucks are currently collecting oil products and removing impacted soil. Remedial activities will continue until analytical samples confirm the removal of oil and brine.
“It’s going to take some time to restore the area,” said Adam Wygant, Director of the Geologic Resources Management Division at EGLE. “The wetland is home to several native plant species that will be reintroduced as part of remediation efforts. This is one of our precious resources in the state.”
The remote, heavily wooded land is owned by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
On April 16, Lambda noticed a lack of crude oil returns during a routine flowline maintenance procedure. The company immediately shut down the line, which lies 4 feet below grade level, and determined the point of release.
The Pigeon River Council, the Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5, Cheboygan County Office of Emergency Management and EGLE are all aware of ongoing activities, and EGLE staff continues to monitor onsite remedial activities.
The Natural Resources Commission dedicated the Pigeon River Country State Forest, considered the largest block of contiguous public ownership in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, in December of 1973. Oil production in the forest began in the 1970s, with Lambda taking over operations in 2000.
For more information on the spill and cleanup efforts, click here.