FLAT ROCK, Mich. (WWJ) -- Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans has declared a state of emergency for the City of Flat Rock after a hazardous material spill was detected in the community’s sanitary sewer Monday evening.
Residents in Flat Rock first detected a mysterious smell similar to gasoline at a home and sanitary sewer lift station south of Gibraltar Road.
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City officials are asking residents who smell the odor to contact them immediately at 734-782-2496.
The spill, which is contained to the city’s southeast corner and does not affect the community’s drinking water, has prompted officials to request that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declare a state of emergency for Flat Rock for additional assistance as they continue to investigate the source of the issue.
The city says HAZMAT teams from the Wayne County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management are on-site assisting local officials as they respond to this emergency. The Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Michigan are on-site assisting in the response.
Out of an abundance of caution, officials evacuated at least four homes and a community center near the treatment plant, and River Heights Academy has been closed.
Flat Rock Fire Chief James Katona told WWJ a resident reported an odor Monday night around 6 p.m. on the southeast side of the city, but responding firefighters found nothing.
On Tuesday morning, the Department of Public Service received a pump alarm. When they opened the pump house, the gasoline fumes were overpowering.
Flat Rock Mayor Mark Hammond, speaking live on WWJ Thursday evening, says anyone who detects a strange odor similar to gasoline should immediately seek fresh air and call (734) 782-2496. Residents in other communities should call 9-1-1 to report any strong and unusual odors, officials said.
Hammond says officials have been having a “difficult situation” trying to figure out the source of the unknown situation. He says there is no concrete evidence as to what the substance is or where it’s coming from, noting they have ruled out “many, many places that it isn’t coming from.”
Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest details on this developing story. >>> LISTEN LIVE