FLINT, Mich. (WNEM) – The Flint River Flotilla will probably 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 will probably 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 social gathering will probably be open to the general public with a $5 admission.
“We have now made the troublesome resolution to cancel the 2022 on-the-water Flint River Flotilla in mild of ongoing questions surrounding the Flint River chemical spill that started on June fifteenth. We merely don’t have sufficient time to make sure our issues in regards to the impacts of the chemical spill are answered and to plan a protected and enjoyable occasion for the Flint group,” stated Sarah Scheitler, hall alliance supervisor for the Flint River Hall Alliance.
Attendees can sit up for stay leisure, a fancy dress contest, a treasure hunt for youths, sprinklers and water toys, meals and drinks, and extra on the flotilla pirate fest.
“A pirate social gathering will not be the identical because the flotilla, however I feel it will likely be a good time,” Scheitler stated.
The occasion will increase funds to help 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 workers, and we wish to rejoice that. There will probably be no on-the-water occasion this 12 months, however we hope this social gathering will uplift our Flint River group and proceed to unfold the phrase in regards to the significance of defending the waters that belong to all of us,” Hall Alliance Chair Kathleen Gazall stated.
On June 15, a hazardous materials was discovered within the Flint River. Officers are nonetheless testing the fabric to determine it.
Scheitler stated the group is engaged on doing their very own unbiased testing on the river, however won’t obtain outcomes again in time for the competition. They’ve additionally requested data 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 onerous to plan for an occasion the place we are going to actually be asking individuals to get into the river with our our bodies,” Scheitler stated.
The Michigan Division of Atmosphere, Nice Lakes, and Vitality (EGLE) confirmed the supply of the spill got here from the Lockhart Chemical Firm.
The Lockhart Chemical Firm facility recognized the principle breach in a storm sewer that resulted within the discharge, based on 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 are going to all have the ability to get pleasure from it as a stupendous useful resource once more,” Scheitler stated.
Copyright 2022 WNEM. All rights reserved.