The ongoing crisis at the Oakland County’s George W. Kuhn (GWK) Retention Treatment Basin remains unresolved and Macomb residents are losing their patience. Since the April 3 incident where approximately 1.2 million gallons of raw sewage overflowed into the Red Run Drain, Rep. Ron Robinson (R-Utica) and a bi-partisan coalition of Macomb County officials have demanded higher transparency, accountability, and long-term solutions. So far, these demands have seemingly gone unheeded.

“We need EGLE to require a concrete plan of action from Oakland County and hold them accountable,” said Robinson. “While Oakland and the department trade letters and delay action, Macomb residents and our environment continue to suffer. The lack of urgency on display is unacceptable.”

The sewage overflow has had real consequences for residents who live along the Red Run River. People living near the Red Run have been dealing with awful smells, trash in the water, and health risks from bacteria like E. coli. Plants along the river are covered in wipes and debris after storms push sewage out of the system.

“In Michigan, our waterways are some of our most precious resources,” said Robinson. “We have a duty protect them. I eagerly await a response from the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner. The next high-water event could be as disastrous as the April 3 incident. We cannot afford to put this on the back burner. We need action now, not more delays.”