Homes evacuated near W. Mich oil spill

MARSHALL, Mich. (WOOD) - The Calhoun County Health Department is recommending immediate evacuation of about 30 to 50 homes north and northwest of the Kalamazoo River oil spill.

Officials say the evacuations are due to higher than acceptable levels of benzene found in air quality tests.

Health officials also are advising many residents in the area to discontinue use of their residential water well for drinking and cooking. This advisory affects residents who live within 200 feet of the edge of the river bank between Tallmadge Creek, west, along the Kalamazoo River to the Kalamazoo County line.

At this time, no water sampling has indicated any groundwater contamination as a result of the oil spill. The advisory is just a precaution. Bottled water is available for the affected residents.

Clearly identified Calhoun County Health Department and Michigan Department of Community Health officials and volunteers will personally visit all these affected homes to deliver notices.

Volunteers are securing hotel rooms and arranging shelter locations for residents and pets. Residents will be notified of shelter locations and available hotels once they receive their evacuation notice.

Evacuated residents are asked to save all receipts for expenses incurred as a result of this evacuation. Evacuees will be reimbursed by Enbridge. For questions, call the Enbridge Oil Spill Hotline at (800) 306-6837 or the health department at (269) 969-6341.

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter for people near the oil spill who are having trouble breathing because of the odor.

People can spend the night at the Marshall Activity Center, 15325 W. Michigan Ave. in Marshall, just west of I-69 off exit 36. They have room for many people, but there is no word on how many people are currently there.

24 Hour News 8 has a crew in the area and will have updates throughout the day.