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Fish so far surviving Michigan river oil spill

By AP

MARSHALL, MI –

Wildlife specialists still haven't seen many dead fish along a massive oil spill in Michigan's Kalamazoo River.

State of Michigan biologist Jay Wesley said Monday that oxygen levels remain adequate in the river. Oil is still deteriorating so oxygen levels will continue to be monitored.

Michigan officials expect to begin testing fish next week to determine whether they've absorbed toxins from the oil spill that was reported July 26 by Enbridge Inc. It could take several months or longer to determine the spill's long-term effects on fish.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says that as of Sunday 164 oil-covered animals and birds had been recovered from the spill area.

The river is closed to fishing and recreation between Marshall and Morrow Dam in Kalamazoo County.

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