(WWJ) – A barge that leaked oil into Lake Michigan has been removed from the spot where it sat after being illegally sunk in Grand Traverse Bay more than two years ago.
Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Wednesday the barge owned by Donald Balcom, owner of Marine Contractors of Traverse City, was towed Tuesday from the site it had been sunk, just off the shore of Northport.
The barge was abandoned and sank in 2021 onto the bottomlands about 20 feet from the end of a private residential dock, according to Nessel's office.
A year prior, Balcom had abandoned the barge in Grand Traverse Bay near Gerilickville in Leelanau County. At the time it had also sunk onto the bottomlands and became partially submerged, releasing oil into Lake Michigan. He was ordered to tow the barge away, but left it at the site near Northville.
This Nessel's environmental crimes unit hit Balcom with multiple charges, including a felony for the release of hazardous substances (oil) to waters of the State. Misdemeanor charges for trespassing, marine safety violations, and placement of fill material (the barge) on Great Lakes submerged lands without a permit were also filed.
"I brought this action because the Great Lakes are a priceless resource for all Michigan residents. Removing the barge from the State's bottomland is a step in the right direction," Nessel said, per a press release. "I am grateful for the work of my department's environmental crimes unit and our partners at EGLE for their continuing efforts to protect our natural resources."
Officials with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy say they're "encouraged" to see the barge being moved and a plan for repairs are being made.
"We will be monitoring the barge to ensure it complies with all state environmental laws," said EGLE Director Phil Roos.
Nessel's office says the AG is working with EGLE officials to confirm the final location of the barge and to ensure it's stored safely and legally.
