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In addition to the closure of US-41 and evacuation in the area immediately surrounding Hancock’s Santori’s Corner, Thursday’s tanker spill has closed the Portage Canal. The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department made the decision after noticing signs of gasoline on the opposite waterfront, says Kate Beer.
All beach and boating activities should cease because of the potential for benzene, a gasoline additive, to irritate skin, among other ailments. Beer says it is unknown how much fuel made it into the storm drains and out into the canal, but an obvious warning sign would be a chemical sheen visible on top of the water.
Another potential complication is Canal View, located about four blocks from the spill. Officials there had to prepare for an evacuation, with transportation at the ready. Kim Salmi says residents with acute illnesses would be sent to GreenTree of Hubbell. All others would have been moved elsewhere if the need had arisen.
As of 3:00 PM Thursday, clean up efforts are still underway and the situation is under control.
