DEQ: 'Significant day' for Kzoo River

MARSHALL, Mich. (WOOD) - Nearly two years since on oil spill shut down 39 miles of the Kalamazoo River, one small section was re-opened for recreation Wednesday.

The re-opened area between Perrin Dam in Marshall to Saylor's Landing is about three miles long.

Officials from the EPA, state and local officials rode kayaks along that stretch of the river to officially mark the re-opening. They said this stretch of river is completely safe for fishing, boating and swimming.

"Today is a big day because it signifies progress of the project," said Jason Manshum, the senior adviser of public affairs for Enbridge Energy. "We hope that eventually people will come out and use the Kalamazoo River again for kayaking, canoeing and swimming."

"(People) shouldn't be concerned," said Dan Wyant of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. "I mean a majority of the oil has been removed so the river's been opened back up."

Informational kiosks at both ends of the re-opened section provide details on fishing, what to do in you come in contact with oil and how to deal with the extra boat traffic from the work crews.

Officials are reassessing the rest of the river to see when they may be able to open the remaining 36 miles of river.

"We haven't seen an oil spill like this in Michigan, such a significant crisis, so it took a tremendous amount of work. The partnership was incredible," Wyant said. "There's a lot of work to be done yet but this is a significant day that we're opening up part of the river."

If you come in contact with any oil or sheen while using the Kalamazoo River take the following steps:

Wipe away and clean any residual oil on your skin from the personal cleaning stations available at each information kiosk.

Wash your skin thoroughly with soap and water.

If you get oil on your watercraft, use the cleaning wipes at the kiosks by the river.

If you have any questions or issues you can call the Enbridge Information Hotline: 1-800-306-6837.

Officials ask you pay attention to work crews on the river and avoid the restricted areas.

The areas closed for recreational use are marked with orange ball buoys.

On the Net:

Eat Safe Fish - Michigan Dept of Community Health