NILES — Wolverine Pipe Line Company conducted a simulated spill response drill on the St. Joseph River Monday morning. The drill was a part of Wolverine’s emergency response preparedness training that is conducted every year.

Wolverine personnel, along with local emergency responders, placed containment booms in the river to simulate released product control and recovery. This was only a simulated drill to better prepare teams for the future in the event of an actual release in the river.

“These simulated spill drills allow us to practice containment methods with local emergency responders,” said Matt Dunne, the vice president and manager of Wolverine Pipe Line Company. “Hands-on-training is invaluable for both Wolverine employees and local emergency responders.”

“Joint exercises like this are always important,” said Niles Township Fire Chief Gary Brovold. “It is an opportunity to work side by side with Wolverine employees, allowing us to become familiar with their equipment and operations in the event of an incident.”

Wolverine conducts these drills at different locations two to three times per year.

This year several state, local and federal agencies participated including: the City of Niles Police and Fire Departments, Niles Township Fire Department, Berrien County Hazmat and the United States’ Coast Guard.

Wolverine Pipeline Company is a fuel transportation company headquartered in Portage Michigan. Wolverine operates over 700 miles of active pipeline transporting refined petroleum products from refineries in the Chicago area to the Michigan market. Wolverine transports approximately one third of all gasoline and diesel fuel used in Michigan.