TOLEDO, Ohio — Whiteford Township, a community of fewer than 5,000 people in Monroe County, was affected by a diesel leak near the North Branch Ottawa River late last month. Nearly two weeks later, several organizations are holding two townhalls to address resident concerns.
Representatives from the Michigan Environmental Protection Agency, Whiteford Township and Pilot will attend the townhalls, which will each be held at St. Michael Lutheran Church on West Temperance Road in Ottawa Lake. The meetings will be held at noon and 5 p.m.
Officials ask those who attend the meetings to attend with their questions prepared. A Michigan representative, who worked in part to organize the meetings, said they are prepared to be upfront and honest with the community.
"The goal of the townhalls is to showcase what has been happening here and, after those presentations, to give an opportunity for residents to ask questions to each of the entities to whomever that would be directed," said Michigan state representative William Bruck.
The leak occurred at the Pilot travel center gas station and eventually sent the fuel into Tenmile Creek. Cleanup efforts have since been underway, and bottled water was distributed to residents whose drinking water may have been affected.
EARLIER COVERAGE: Bulk drinking water available to Whiteford Township residents impacted by fuel leak
Bruck said cleanup progress has been smooth, due in no small part to community efforts.
"The community has stepped up," Bruck said. "There are multiple volunteers when it comes to the water. The fire department has stepped up and utilized its location for water, bulk water, and bottled water. It's a community thing, and that's what communities do."
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