Politics & Government
WI Wildlife Agency Evaluates Milwaukee Oil Spill
Around 400 gallons of oil spilled into the Menominee River in Milwaukee for 90 minutes, a Department of Natural Resources spokesperson said.
March 16, 2022
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is continuing to evaluate the full impact of an oil spill that occurred in West Milwaukee last December. Originating from the Komatsu Mining Corp. facility nearby, the spill released approximately 400 gallons of oil. The oil leaked into storm drains and manifested as a sheen on the Menominee River in Milwaukee.
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DNR spokesperson Sarah Hoye told Wisconsin Examiner that a snowy owl and one Canadian goose were taken to a local Humane Society. “Both have made recoveries and were released,” said Hoye. Additional investigation into wildlife impact, particularly as winter weather gradually gives way to spring, are ongoing.
Milwaukee Riverkeepers, a local environmental organization, also monitored the spill closely. One lingering question the group had was what kind of oil was released into the river. “Based on the information provided by Komatsu,” said Hoye, “the discharge was a mixture of lightweight, used oils including coolants, cutting fluid, hydraulic, lubricating, way, quench, gear grinding and cutting oils.” She added that Komatsu informed DNR that “the release occurred for approximately 90 minutes.”
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Komatsu expressed regret for the spill in a statement released in December. The same month, the company opened a new facility in Milwaukee’s Harbor District. Clean-up activities were performed from mid-January until the water froze over, explained Hoye. “The investigation and cleanup are still ongoing awaiting warmer weather to evaluate the effectiveness of the clean-up effort and the need for any subsequent follow up.” The DNR is also continuing to evaluate the circumstances of the release, which will shape what, if any, penalties will be levied against Komatsu.
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