NORTHVILLE, Mich. – Officials have revealed information about the release of motor oil and kerosene at the Downs Development site in Northville.
The demolition of a building the the property around 4 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2024, caused the release of motor oil and kerosene that had been stored inside, officials said.
Northville firefighters are monitoring the situation, and there is no danger to the public, according to officials.
Emergency services were called to the site to contain the spill. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, the EPA, and the Western Wayne HazMat Team were involved.
Water runoff during the demolition allowed the spill to enter the storm drain, and some of it seeped into the river, officials said in a corrected release.
Two booms designed to absorb and contain contaminants are in place in the Rouge River. They will remain until remediation is complete.
A private contractor was called to the site to clean up and help with containment.
“I appreciate the response of the Northville Fire Department and the Western Wayne HazMat Team to ensure proper measures were in place to protect the environment,” Northville City Manager George Lahanas said.