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Michigan oil spill - Enbridge, law enforcement still keeping media away
On Sunday evening, Michigan Messenger was initially denied access–again–to a key oil spill site after attempting to record video of the Kalamazoo River where it crosses under 15 Mile Rd, the same site where we recorded video on Tuesday showing dramatic ribbons of oil and heavy sheen on the surface of the river as it passed under the bridge.
EPA and Enbridge officials have said the river clean up has made significant progress in the past several days.
However, when Messenger arrived at the site a security officer working for Enbridge approached and said no media was allowed. Messenger requested to speak to the Calhoun County Deputy Sheriff who was at the site. That deputy cleared Messenger's request with an official from Enbridge, but they would only allow the filming of 30 seconds of video.
During the time Messenger was waiting to speak to the deputy, a citizen video crew approached, and was turned back by the security officer.
And it isn't only news outlets being denied access to public locations by law enforcement and Enbridge officials. Shawn Welker, volunteer coordinator for Circle D Wildlife Refuge, says his group is getting similar reports from volunteers.