Sometime early this week, a large oil spill occurred near Marshall and flowed into the Kalamazoo River near Augusta. This is very near KBS, and we know our neighbors will be concerned, especially about wildlife harmed by the spill. Here is the information we have at this time (Saturday, July 31st).

Please do not touch or approach the oil or oiled wildlife.

The Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department has advised people to avoid all surface-water activities including swimming, wading, fishing and boating/canoeing/kayaking until further notice.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service  asks residents to NOT attempt to rescue wildlife from the Kalamazoo River or Talmadge Creek at this time.The benzene levels are toxic. Residents should avoid contact with contaminated water.

Additionally, untrained volunteers can actually harm wildlife by putting too much stress on the animals. Only trained individuals should attempt to capture animals.

How can you help?

Please call 800-306-6837 to report wildlife in need of rescue. You may also volunteer to help with cleanup efforts at that number.

That number connects to a dispatch system to get information to trained staff who can catch, handle and transport oiled wildlife.  There is only one rehabilitation facility being operated with USFWS oversight; it is located in Marshall.

By having a central rehabilitation area, people are protected from the oil, the birds get top-notch treatment after only one transport (stress) event, and all waste is collected, treated, and disposed of safely.  This also allows USFW to monitor how many birds and other wildlife have been impacted.

Do Not Use Kalamazoo River Water

The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) advised that producers/homeowners using the Kalamazoo River, or other connected surface water, for crop or lawn irrigation or watering animals (including livestock, pets, etc.), should stop using those sources immediately and seek alternate sources. Additionally, people should restrict access by livestock or pets to those impacted sources.

Additional Resources:

DEQ Information page on the spill

EPA Information page on the spill

Calhoun County Information page on the spill

Michigan Department of Agriculture instructions for farmers

Interview with Dr. Hamilton (KBS Researcher) about the Spill

Kalamazoo County Cleanup Facebook Page

Kalamazoo River Watershed Council Website

Request for patience in wildlife rescue

The Kellogg Bird Sanctuary cannot accept or transport injured birds or wildlife from this spill.