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Coast Guard sets up command post near oil spill in Straits

Aaron Selbig

The U.S. Coast Guard has organized a command post in Mackinaw City to respond to a mineral oil spill in the Straits of Mackinac. Around 600 gallons of fluid leaked from underwater electrical lines west of the Mackinac Bridge earlier this week. 

 

The Coast Guard is coordinating with local, state and federal agencies at the scene.

American Transmission Company operates the utility lines and uses the mineral oil for insulation. The company is currently vacuuming up leftover oil from the lines. 

Coast Guard Ensign Pamela Manns says the cause of the spill is unknown and under investigation.  

Manns says the spill poses a low threat to fisheries and wildlife, and there is no significant threat to drinking water.