Oil spill causes boom in business

MARSHALL, Mich. (WOOD) - Since the Enbridge pipeline burst July 26, spilling about 1 million gallons of oil into the Kalamazoo River, it has been busy just about everywhere in town -- at fast food restaurants, gasoline stations and even the dry cleaner.

An environmental disaster has become an economic boon.

At Winston's Pub, in the century-old landmark Schuler's Restaurant, business has increased about 15 to 20 percent, with pipeline workers and environmental cleanup crews eating and drining there just about every might, one bartender told 24 Hour News 8.

The local Wendy's restaurant was so busy Sunday, it just about ran out of french fries.

At Schuler's, not only have workers crowded the dining room, but the restaurant has catered meals for their companies and for some residents evacuated from their homes, owner Hans Schuler said.

It's difficult to say exactly how many workers are here, and the economic impact they're having -- not only in Marshall but in nearby Battle Creek.

They come from Enbridge, from environmental contractors and from government agencies such as the EPA. At one point, more than 700 workers were on the river.

Andrea Davis, a desk clerk at Arbor Inn, figures cleanup crews are taking about 90 percent of the motel's 48 rooms, each spending about $60 a night. At the inn alone, that adds up to about $18,000 a week.

Trucks from Enbridge and other cleanup crews were parked outside the nearby Holiday Inn Express, which was full Sunday night, and the Hampton Inn, which had just two rooms available.

One pipeline worker said he's spending about $80 per day between a motel room and meals.

Schuler welcomes the workers and the extra business, but knows it will be best for Marshall when they're gone. That, he said, means the river will be clean.