Flint River Flotilla canceled because of river spill

FLINT, Mich. (WNEM) – The Flint River Flotilla can be changed with an on-land flotilla pirate fest because of the spill that occurred within the Flint River final month.

The flotilla pirate fest can be at Tenacity Brewing, situated at 119 N. Grand Traverse St. in Flint, on Saturday, Aug. 6 from 1 p.m. till 5 p.m. The family-friendly get together can be open to the general public with a $5 admission.

“We’ve made the troublesome choice to cancel the 2022 on-the-water Flint River Flotilla in gentle of ongoing questions surrounding the Flint River chemical spill that started on June 15th. We merely shouldn’t have sufficient time to make sure our considerations concerning the impacts of the chemical spill are answered and to plan a secure and enjoyable occasion for the Flint neighborhood,” mentioned Sarah Scheitler, hall alliance supervisor for the Flint River Hall Alliance.

Attendees can look ahead to stay leisure, a dressing up contest, a treasure hunt for youths, sprinklers and water toys, meals and drinks, and extra on the flotilla pirate fest.

“A pirate get together is just not the identical because the flotilla, however I believe it is going to be a good time,” Scheitler mentioned.

The occasion will elevate funds to assist the work of the Flint River Hall Alliance across the river system within the metropolis of Flint.

“We acknowledge the dedication of Flotilla supporters, volunteers, and employees, and we need to have fun that. There can be no on-the-water occasion this yr, however we hope this get together will uplift our Flint River neighborhood and proceed to unfold the phrase concerning the significance of defending the waters that belong to all of us,” Hall Alliance Chair Kathleen Gazall mentioned.

On June 15, a hazardous materials was discovered within the Flint River. Officers are nonetheless testing the fabric to determine it.

Scheitler mentioned the group is engaged on doing their very own impartial testing on the river, however won’t obtain outcomes again in time for the pageant. They’ve additionally requested info from EGLE on what the substance was that went into the water.

“We’re optimistic that we’ll obtain them quickly. However once more, not having them in hand, it’s arduous to plan for an occasion the place we’ll actually be asking individuals to get into the river with our our bodies,” Scheitler mentioned.

The Michigan Division of Surroundings, Nice Lakes, and Power (EGLE) confirmed the supply of the spill got here from the Lockhart Chemical Firm.

The Lockhart Chemical Firm facility identified the main breach in a storm sewer that resulted within the discharge, in keeping with EGLE spokesperson Jill Greenberg.

A “no contact” order has been placed on the river by the Genesee County Well being Division. Residents shouldn’t fish, boat, or swim within the Flint River from Stepping Stone Falls to the Genesee County Line.

“We’re very hopeful that the river will come again and can heal and we’ll all have the ability to take pleasure in it as a wonderful useful resource once more,” Scheitler mentioned.

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