Study Shows Shore Vulnerability in Oil Spill

A computer-modeling study from the University of Michigan shows that more than 700 miles of shoreline in Lakes Huron and Michigan are potentially vulnerable to oil spills if there’s a pipeline rupture beneath the Straits of Mackinac.

Researchers ran more than 800 different simulations of an oil release from the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline.

The study pinpoints areas of highest risk along the shores of both lakes, according to U of M hydrodynamics expert David Schwab.

He says up to 152 miles of coastline in Lakes Huron and Michigan could be fouled by just one oil spill. When all 840 simulated spills are plotted, a total of 720 miles of shoreline in the U.S. and Canada are potentially vulnerable.

The highest risk areas include Mackinac and Bois Blanc islands.

Also at risk are locations east and west of Mackinaw City, Beaver Island, Cross Village, Harbor Springs and Cheboygan, among other areas.

The U of M says the National Wildlife Federation supported the study.