Michigan's oil spill FAQs, how to help

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Here are some answers to your Frequently Asked Questions about West Michigan's oil spill, including how to help:

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On Monday, July 26, a 30-inch pipeline belonging to Enbridge Energy Partners LP burst in Marshall, Mich., releasing hundreds of thousands of gallons of crude oil into Talmadge Creek, a waterway that feeds the Kalamazoo River. The spill has affected up to 25 miles of the Kalamazoo River. The spill site, located between Marshall and Battle Creek, includes marshlands, residential areas, farmland and businesses.

The Kalamazoo River is a fast-moving river and EPA's and the Unified Command's focus right now is on preventing oil from affecting sensitive shorelines.

EPA has the role of Federal On-Scene Coordinator for this incident.

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Kalamazoo River spill Q&A with Calvin professor Gerry Van Kooten

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What about the wildlife?

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is asking people not to try to help animals affected by the oil spill at Tallmade Creek. The DNRE, as well as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, is handling the clean up as they are professionally trained.

There is a Facebook group alerting you to how to help the wildlife with material donations to help in the cleaning and care of the affected birds and critters.

Some of the supplies needed are:

LINENS: non-elastic, non-fitted
Sheets and Large Towels
Pillow Cases
Cardboard Boxes (Medium-Large)
Small Whiteboards
Duct Tape
Firewood (Small-Medium)

Complete details on that Facebook page.

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If you would like to help, Betten Imports is planning to deliver the following materials to Marshall: nonfitted and nonelastic linens, duct tape, small whiteboards, sheets, large towels and pillowcases.

You're asked to drop these off as soon as possible, as Betten is planning on making a delivery Friday afternoon.

Here are some additional times:

* 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday
* 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday
* 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Betten is located at 5901 28th St. SE, in Grand Rapids.

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What Should I Do If I See Animals That Have Been Exposed To The Oil?

Individuals should not attempt to approach, rescue, or contain any animals exposed to the oil. Attempts to capture and clean animals may cause injury to both the animal and the rescuer. If you're interested in volunteering for animal rescue/clean up, please call (800) 306-6837. A trained rescuer will respond to your call, but please be patient.

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The following nformation from the Calhoun County Public Health Department

Number for Enbridge Oil Spill Questions: (800) 306-6837

What Is In The Oil?

The Enbridge oil spill contains heavy crude oil. Crude oil is a mixture of different hydrogen- and carbon-based chemicals normally called hydrocarbons. Because they are mixtures, different oils can be harmful in different ways.

What Is In The Air?

Over time, many of the compounds that make up these oil mixtures will enter the air. The wind will spread these vapors over a distance, lowering their concentration in any one area. The level of vapors in the air is expected to be below the level that can hurt you. Tests of the air will tell us more. These tests are being conducted at this time and will continue for as long as necessary.

How Will My Health Be Affected?

Strong smells affect different people in different ways. Some people may experience nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or headaches. If nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or headaches occur due to the smell in the air, leaving the area should help to stop your symptoms. If you feel your symptoms are severe, seek medical attention.

If the smell bothers you, stay indoors, close the doors and windows, and turn on your central air conditioning. If you have a window air conditioner it may be better not to use it or to turn the settings to the recirculating mode, which closes the outside ventilation feature.

Can The Oil Harm My Children?

Children tend to be more sensitive than adults to oil and other forms of pollution. What might be annoying to you could be a real problem for them, particularly if your child is an infant or toddler, or has a pre-existing medical condition.

Like adults, children should avoid contact with the oil and can be more susceptible to respiratory illness. If the oil gets on your child's skin, wash it off as soon as you can with a mild soap (dish detergent) and water, or if necessary, a waterless skin cleanser. Watch your children carefully for rashes or dark, sticky spots on their skin that are hard to wash off. If you see any of these symptoms, see your doctor or other health care provider.

What to Expect?

People can be exposed to hazardous substances related to the spill by breathing them (air), by swallowing them (food or water), or by touching them (skin). People should avoid close contact with the oil spill and oil fumes.

Air Quality:

Air quality tests am being conducted at this time and will continue for as long as