Tanker spill update

The stretch of US-41 impacted by Thursday’s tanker spill is set to be replaced, according to a morning update from the City of Hancock. That is delaying the highway’s reopening until Saturday at the earliest. Residents in the area are allowed back in their homes and The Tire Shop is serving customers again through access from Ethel Avenue.

All activities on the Portage Canal and the waterfront beaches are still prohibited at this time. The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency are coordinating efforts. Both EGLE and the EPA have representatives on scene. They are following procedures designed in the wake of the 2018 tanker spill in Chassell Township.

Hancock is soothing any fears over the quality of the drinking water. Runoff occurred in the storm drain system only. Hancock receives its drinking water from the Adams Township system.