Great Lakes Wire

A barge that sank twice in Lake Michigan, raising environmental concerns, has been successfully relocated to a legal location. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the development concerning the barge owned by Donald Lewis Balcom, 90, of Traverse City. Balcom had pled guilty in April to one count of Water Resources Protection Violation for Discharge of Injurious Substances to Waters of the State, following a November 2020 incident where the barge sank and released oil into Lake Michigan.

Under a deferred sentencing agreement, Balcom was required to move the barge by June 27, 2025. The relocation would convert his felony conviction to a misdemeanor charge of Watercraft Pollution – Littering from Vessel. On June 23, 2025, the barge was moved to West Grand Traverse Bay and partially dismantled.

Attorney General Nessel stated: “After years of environmental concerns and legal proceedings, I am pleased the barge has finally been moved and to announce the resolution of this case.” She emphasized that her department is committed to protecting the Great Lakes with support from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

In 2023, seven criminal charges were filed against Balcom after efforts by state environmental authorities failed to resolve issues surrounding the sunken barge and contamination in Grand Traverse Bay. The relocation allows Balcom eligibility for a reduced sentence; however, an amended judgment has not yet been issued by the court.