MichiganRadio

Residential wells test clean along the Kalamazoo River ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) - The EPA says the Kalamazoo River oil spill response has shifted from crisis to cleanup. But the ongoing water monitoring could last a long time.

About 1 million gallons of oil leaked from an Enbridge pipeline two weeks ago polluting over 30 miles of the Kalamazoo River. Advisories against fishing or swimming in the area remain, but the bottled water advisory may soon be lifted. Health officials tested 60 of 100 wells along the spill zone. So far, none have shown contamination from the spill.

Congressman Mark Schauer says Enbridge is responsible for paying for short and long-term testing of area water quality, including residential wells.

"I don't want anyone to kid themselves, there is still petroleum in the Kalamazoo River. And it will take months and months and months to clean it up. Enbridge Energy is gonna pay every penny for the devastation that has been caused."

Health Department officials say it can take up to six months or a year before groundwater shows signs of contamination from the oil spill. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio