People asked to steer clear of petroleum sheen on Fremont Lake

NEWAYGO COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) — Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and local agencies are in the process of cleaning up a petroleum sheen on Fremont Lake in Newaygo County.

District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) and EGLE are advising residents to avoid skin contact with surface water at Fremont Lake, due to petroleum runoff from a recent fire.

The petroleum sheen has been observed along the shore from the Lakeview Resort south down to Chamberlain Avenue.

While DHD#10 said to avoid the contamination, officials said the public health impact is expected to be minimal.

“EGLE has begun the remediation process from petroleum runoff into Fremont Lake,” said DHD#10 Environmental Health Director, Max Bjorkman. “Due to the nature of the contamination and the quick response and remediation process, the public health impact is expected to be minimal.”

Petroleum is a potentially hazardous material that can present significant health impacts with prolonged exposure. DHD#10 and EGLE are requesting that residents avoid areas that may have petroleum contamination until the water contact advisory has been lifted.

For up-to-date results, please visit EGLE’s BeachGuard site: https://mienviro.michigan.gov/explorer/beach/map/results.

For media requests, please contact the EGLE Media Office at EGLE-assist@michigan.gov or 517-284-9278.

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