EPA releases pipe pic at packed meeting

MARSHALL, Mich. (WOOD) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a photo Monday night showing what an official said was the pipeline at the point of the leak.

"There was pure oil over the ground almost immediately," the EPA's Susan Hedman told a packed crowd at Marshall High School.

Hundreds came to Monday's meeting, where they heard directly from EPA, state and local officials about the spill, the clean-up and its effects. The interaction between audience and officials was polite, with the audience clapping after getting information.

Those in attendance had the chance to ask questions one-on-one afterward -- and many did.

Jim Hunsicker is worried about the pond near the Ceresco Dam, where he lives and where he and his children have been able to enjoy the water.

"We've been there over 40 years and it's a part of our life, as far as quality of life," Hunsicker told 24 Hour News 8. "And that's all gone right now -- you can't use it."

He knows when it will be cleaned up is nearly impossible to answer. As for how? "They're studying it to see what they can do," Hunsicker said after talking to state officials.

While government representatives answered questions inside, leaders from pipeline company Enbridge Inc. were answering questions outside.

Gary Wager, executive director of the Kalamazoo River Cleanup Coalition, talked directly with Enbridge President and CEO Patrick Daniel.

The cleanup coalition director is concerned about oil going further downriver and interacting with existing pollutants.

"(Daniel) answered very forthrightly that they've made every effort and they think successfully to contain the oil above Morrow Dam," Wager said, referring to the dam between Galesburg and Kalamazoo.

He said he was happy to hear there will be tests to check the water downstream.

For Alan and Joyce Elyea, a couple 24 Hour News 8 spoke with last week as they were leaving their home in the evacuation area, the question is simple.

"Is it safe, and when can we come home?" Joyce Elyea said Monday night.

The answer? Health officials aren't sure yet. The so-called "red zone" or recommended evacuation area has not expanded, but it has not contracted either.

Calhoun County Health Officer Jim Rutherford said levels of benzene are decreasing, but it's not enough to lift the recommendation.

Even if the Elyeas can come home soon, the EPA's Mark Durno made it clear: the clean-up crews won't be leaving.

"We're going to be here for months, not weeks, cleaning this thing up," Durno said.