Greg Gerber posted on July 29, 2010 14:50
MARSHALL, Mich. -- An oil spill, estimated by federal officials to be more than 1 million gallons, occurred July 26, approximately 500 yards from the BR Wholesale corporate office and warehouse facilities. The spill has forced several BR Wholesale team members to evacuate their homes and reside in area hotels until it is determined that it is safe to return.
“It is a tragic event that has happened to the Marshall community and to our team members in the area," said Trey Miller, president of BR Wholesale commented. "There is a heavy smell of oil in the air at times when the wind shifts or helicopters pass over and an unsettling feeling seeing clean up crews just up the road.”
The spill occurred when a 30-inch pipeline, owned by Calgary, Alberta-based Enbridge, leaked. According to a report from CBS 2 Chicago, the pipeline was built in 1969 and carries about 8 million gallons of oil daily from Griffith, Indiana, to Sarnia, Ontario.
“Our main concern is the health and safety of our staff, therefore we are monitoring all available outlets to ensure they are not in harms way," said Miller. "If at anytime, it is determined that we should evacuate the Marshall facility we will do so immediately. This should have very little visible effect on operations and we will field calls and supply product from our other locations in Indiana, Florida and California.”
The Detroit News reported that Michigan U.S. Representative Mark Schauer, said Environmental Protection Agency officials had called it "The largest oil spill ever in the Midwest.”
BR Wholesale, Inc. is a specialized aftermarket wholesale distributor to the RV industry. Supplying products from over 200 brands and manufacturers from a nationwide network of facilities to dealerships, service centers, retailers, and OEMs.
For more information, call Miller at 800.900.2468 or e-mail tmiller@brwholesale.com.
SOURCE: BR Wholesale press release