EPA Investigates Hazardous Material Spill in Clinton River
AUBURN HILLS (WWJ) -- Local and federal environmental officials are working to determine the cause of a hazardous material spill in the Clinton River which occurred on Monday.
The Auburn Hills Fire Department responded to the Clinton River in the area of Auburn Ct. and Auburn Rd. on a report of an unknown substance floating on top of the river water at around 3 p.m. on Monday. The unknown material is believed to be petroleum-based.
Investigators have determined that the unknown source is somewhere in the city of Pontiac where the Clinton River is covered. The hazardous substance traveled along the river from Pontiac, through Auburn Hills and into Rochester Hills, stopping before River Bend Park.
The Shelby Township Fire Department deployed containment booms as a precautionary measure, but no hazardous product is known to have reached that community. Collection booms have been placed throughout the river to capture the product.
The Environmental Protection Agency also responded to the incident. EPA representatives have taken over the investigation and will coordinate the cleanup effort.