April 14, 2005

The Department of Environmental Quality has authorized $175,000 to conduct cleanup actions at the abandoned Premium Oil Bulk Plant site in the city of Sault Ste. Marie in Chippewa County.

This site is the location of a 250 gallon release of diesel fuel as well as subsequent petroleum spills. Ten aboveground storage tanks and two sheds on the property pose a physical hazard for public safety. In addition, there is petroleum stained soil, numerous 55 gallon drums, and other containers throughout the site.

In May 2000, the DEQ conducted an emergency response to address the immediate risks from the petroleum spill. Additional actions will include conducting an investigation to determine the extent of soil and groundwater contamination; removal of the tanks and associated piping; disposal of the drums and containers; demolition and disposal of the sheds; and excavation and disposal of contaminated soil.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Revised April 14, 2005 by Pat Watson