Waterfront reopened

In an update sent Thursday evening, the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department says the entire Houghton waterfront, including Kestner Park, is reopened to swimming, boating and other recreational activities. There is no sheen visible when observing from the air using drones, but pockets could remain near the shore.

Any sheen, a rainbow film from gasoline additives like benzene that spilled during the tanker accident last week, should be avoided. Benzene causes irritation to the skin and eyes. Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and public health have been testing the water repeatedly since the incident. Public works crews have replaced the sand at the beach due to the possibility of it having absorbed some of the spill.

Kate Beer says things are in good shape heading into the Fourth of July weekend and all beaches are open.