Great Lakes Center of Expertise Opens at Lake Superior State University

Sault Ste. Marie will be home to an important center for oil research thanks in part to Senator Gary Peters.

Five years ago, the Coast Guard voiced their concern about the response of an oil spill in the Great Lakes the need of a plan of action. Now, it’s a reality.

A ribbon cutting ceremony took place Wednesday afternoon for the new Great Lakes Center of Expertise at the Lake Superior State University’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education Center.

The expertise center will examine the impacts of oil spills in freshwater environments and help develop quick responses. LSSU’s close proximity to Sector Sault Coast Guard is just one reason why the center will be located there.

“Lake Superior State is one of the few institutions that is at the nexus of three Great Lakes… in the world really,” Dr. Rod Hanley, LSSU President, said. “And so if you are going to put a significant center of expertise in the ideal location, it really is in Sault Ste. Marie.”

The second location of expertise will be located in Ann Arbor.