State Agencies Proactively Engaged During Toledo Water Ban

Contact: Ron Leix, MSP/EMHSD Public Information Officer, (517) 336-6464

Agency: State Police


Issued: Aug. 2, 2014
LANSING. The State of Michigan, with the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and
Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) as the lead, is proactively engaged and assisting
Monroe County emergency management officials to ensure resources are available after the city of
Toledo issued a water use ban due to high levels of microcystin found in water samples.
Microcystin is one of many toxins potentially produced from harmful algal blooms. Consuming water
containing algal toxins may result in abnormal liver function, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, numbness
or dizziness.
There have been no requests for state assistance at this time, but our states emergency
management personnel from various agencies are closely monitoring this situation and coordinating
and marshalling resources to ensure speedy assistance if and as needed, Gov. Rick Snyder said.
We will do everything we can to minimize impacts to our citizens and communities.
"We are working with Monroe County emergency management to ensure they have everything
needed to respond to this incident, said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of
Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. "Our state
stands ready and is doing everything we can to help during this water use ban.
In Monroe County, the water ban has affected more than 30,000 individuals in city of Luna Pier and
Bedford, LaSalle and Erie townships.
To date, the following actions have been taken by the state:
MSP/EMHSD district coordinators are assisting emergency management in the Monroe
County Emergency Operations Center.
State agencies are planning and coordinating resources in case assistance is requested by
Monroe County.
The MSP/EMHSD is in active dialogue with Ohios State Emergency Operations Center
about the ongoing water crisis in Ohio and stands ready to assist as needed.
The MSP/EMHSD will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety and security of
Michigans citizens. For the latest information, individuals are encouraged to monitor local media and
follow the guidance of local emergency responders.
The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is responsible
for coordinating state and federal resources to assist local government in response and relief
activities in the event of an emergency or disaster, as well as coordinating homeland security
initiatives and various federal grants