The Kent County Parks Department became aware of an oil release from a historic, previously plugged well in a body of water inside Millennium Park Friday.
Crews from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy responded, placing a containment boom around the well to prevent further oil spread into the water while they determine next steps.
The 1,400-acre Millennium Park occupies land that includes former gypsum mines, gravel pits and petroleum wells tied to the Walker Oil Field which began drilling in the 1930’s.
The oil leak is in a lake located east of Maynard Avenue SW which does not have public access points and does not connect to the public beach area.
Parks Director Ben Swayze stated, “Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking people to avoid the affected area and refrain from entering or recreating in the lake at this time.”
The Kent County Parks Department is providing updates as information becomes available.
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