Kalamazoo River - Marshall, Michigan Oil Spill
On the evening of July 25th 2010 the largest oil spill in the history of the Midwest happened in Marshall Township, Michigan. The spill occurred from a cracked seam 5 feet in length in a 41 years old pipeline. This spill dumped over 800,000 gallons of crude oil into Talmadge Creek and then into the Kalamazoo River. The spill has affected many people’s lives in the community and will change the environment along the stretch of the river for many years to come.
Although it is Enbridge Energy’s responsibility to bear the cost of the cleanup, many local businesses including Team 1 Plastics and hundreds of residents donated items to assist with clean up of wildlife affected by the spill. Team 1 Plastics logistics manager, Dave Sanford, has been following this from the first day of the spill and donated items and volunteered when ever possible. “I volunteered early on with Circle D Wildlife Refuge in attempts to rescue animals affected by the spill,” said Sanford. “I’ve received my certificate from Emergency Management Institute on Hazardous Materials and completed a 4 hour safety awareness training for oil spill workers which is required before helping with any type of clean up.” He was also interviewed and featured in a feature by CNN on the oil spill.
Team 1 Plastics is happy to support the efforts of it’s team members like Dave Sanford and it reinforces our efforts to be a “Positive Community Member”. In particular, the statements We will support and encourage our team members’ volunteer activities. In addition, Team 1 will focus its financial contributions to the local community. Members of our families or communities will never hear: “It is not our problem;” instead, they will hear: “We will work together to make a positive difference.”
Do you have examples how companies or people are making a difference in their communities?
Picture Credit: mic stolz
