USCG set to host simulated oil spill response

The US Coast Guard (USCG), together with a range of emergency response agencies will conduct a drill simulating a worst-case scenario of a light crude oil spill.

The involved agencies will react to the simulated oil spill from pipelines running underneath the Wisconsin and Michigan, including the Straits of Mackinac, into Canada.

More than 200 individuals representing emergency management departments in Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties; the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality; and the US Environmental Protection Agency are expected to take part in the drill, according to the Associated Press.

The drill will also be joined by the representatives of pipeline owner Enbridge, which claims its lines have never leaked since their deployment in 1953, while environmental groups allege of a severe risk to Lakes Michigan and Huron.

Further, participating agencies have reportedly spent 18 months to plan the exercise, which is aimed at testing plans for placing boom to be full of spilled oil.

Last month, the US Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC) successfully completed oil spill response training at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina.

Aimed at boosting the capabilities of personnel during such serious environmental crises, the exercise involved the navy and marine corps Facility Response Team (FRT) personnel.