Some Beaches Reopen After Fuel Spill In Lake Huron
LAKEPORK (WWJ) - The St. Clair County Health Department has re-opened a few beaches along Lake Huron that had been closed as a result of a fuel spill in the Great Lake on Thursday.
The Lakeport State Park Campground Beach, Marine City Beach, Jeddo Road Beach, and Burchville Township Beach have reopened Friday. Officials say other beaches may soon be reopened as well.
A 110-foot dredging barge sank early Thursday morning, spilling 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel into the water and causing a tugboat to capsize. The incident happened about five nautical miles north-northwest of the entrance to the St. Clair River, one nautical mile from the Michigan shoreline and four nautical miles from Canadian waters.
Officials performing a visual inspection of the capsized vessels on Friday indicated that all tank vent valves have been secured.
Shoreside clean up operations are being conducted from Lakeport south to Keewahdin Rd. A reassessment of the shoreline is currently being conducted.
Officials say sheen has reached the shoreline, however no thick product has been reported.
As a precautionary measure, the following Great Lakes beaches remain closed:
Lake Huron – Metcalf Road Beach Burtchville
Lake Huron – Fort Gratiot County Park Fort Gratiot
Lake Huron – Washington Street Park Lakeport
Lake Huron – Keewadhin Road Beach Fort Gratiot
Lake Huron – Krafft Road Beach Port Huron
Lake Huron – Lakeside Beach Port Huron
Lake Huron – Holland Road Beach Port Huron
Lake Huron – Conger-Lighthouse Beach Port Huron
St. Clair River – Chrysler Park Beach Marysville
St. Clair River – Marine City Diving Area Marine City
