Aug. 4, 2023
Sector Lake Michigan
Contact: Lt. Heather Stemmerman
(414) 405-6436
UPDATE: Coast Guard, partner agencies control pollution threat on Lake Michigan
MANISTEE, Mich. — The Unified Command, comprised of the U.S. Coast Guard, the responsible party, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Manistee County Emergency Management, Benzie County Emergency Management, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Manistee and Benzie County Sheriff’s Offices and the City of Manistee, continues to closely monitor the response.
A U.S. Coast Guard aircraft conducted an overflight that confirmed no visible sheen Friday morning.
The Coast Guard and the American Bureau of Shipping have assessed the temporary repairs. Upon thorough review and assessment, the vessel’s proposed plan to transit to Muskegon, Michigan, to effect permanent repairs was reviewed and accepted by the Coast Guard. The American Bureau of Shipping and the Coast Guard will oversee the permanent repairs. Resources will remain available to respond during the transit, if needed.
The Coast Guard, state, local and tribal representatives, and the Responsible Party continue to conduct shoreline assessments, with no reported impacts at this time.
“We appreciate the collaborative efforts of state, local, and tribal agencies, which swiftly and efficiently addressed and continue to monitor the situation,” said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Seth Parker, Incident Commander, Unified Command. “The success of this operation underscores the importance of interagency coordination and our shared commitment to safeguarding our natural resources.”
There is no known or expected impact to drinking water at this time.
The investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing.
Updates will be provided via the Ninth Coast Guard District’s Twitter page: @USCGGreatLakes
Requests for additional information may be directed to Sector Lake Michigan’s Public Affairs Officer at (414) 405-6436.
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