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Several state agencies are ripping Enbridge Energy for damage caused to its Line 5 pipeline that runs through the Straits of Mackinac.
New information confirms there are gaps in the protective coating on a portion of the pipeline, at least one of which was apparently caused during the installation of supportive pipe anchors.
In response to the findings, the state has called for the immediate inspection of areas around every anchor on Line 5 and for repairs to be completed within 30 days.
Environmental groups say this is another example of years of negligence by the company and the dangers of the aging pipeline, calling again for an immediate shutdown of Line 5.
Test results suggest that there is no imminent danger from the gaps, the state is concerned that the damage was caused by human error–a major factor that led to Enbridge’s record oil spill in the Kalamazoo River.
Governor Rick Snyder also expressed his concern, stating he has directed state departments to accelerate an aggressive review of Enbridge operations and maintenance procedures throughout the state.
Line 5 is a 645-mile pipeline built in 1953 and runs from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Canada.
It transports up to 540,000 barrels a day of light crude oil and natural gas liquids.
Here is the press release from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs:
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Agency for Energy, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Natural Resources and State Police expressed concerns today about new information confirming there are gaps in the protective coating on a portion of Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac, at least one of which was apparently caused during the installation of supportive pipe anchors.
In response to the findings, the state called for the immediate inspection of the areas around every anchor on Line 5, a report to the DNR and DEQ of any findings from the inspections, a copy of the video of the recent work performed on the pipeline, and repair within 30 days of any damage to the pipeline’s coating.
“The possibility this loss of coating occurred during the anchor installation process and was not immediately addressed is completely unacceptable,” said Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Director C. Heidi Grether. “As we continue to review the current permit application to install more anchor supports, I plan to ask Enbridge to provide additional information regarding previous installations, including at a minimum any available video footage of the installation activities. I want a greater assurance that the integrity of all aspects meant to protect the Great Lakes is the company’s utmost priority.”
Said DNR Director Keith Creagh: “This recent finding raises concerns about the actions Enbridge is taking to protect the waters of the Great Lakes. We need to ensure that all appropriate risk mitigation measures have been put in place by Enbridge. Until that happens, we as a state will not be satisfied.”
While there is no indication that the gaps create an immediate concern to the health and safety of the Straits, given that the exterior cathodic protection system is reportedly operational, the results point to larger issues.
“While the hydrotest results give us confidence that the pipeline is not in imminent danger from these gaps, the fact that human error, not a mussel, created them is something that raises real concern,” said Valerie Brader, Executive Director of the Michigan Agency for Energy. “Human error was a major factor in Enbridge’s spill into the Kalamazoo River. These coating gaps point to other areas where human error, not the environment, are creating problems.”
“Enbridge should quickly repair the damaged pipeline covering to provide the extra protection,” said Capt. Chris Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “It is imperative that the company do the right thing for the residents of Michigan and prove they can be good stewards in protecting the natural resource all Michiganians hold dear.”
Line 5 is a 645-mile pipeline built in 1953 and runs from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Canada. It transports up to 540,000 barrels a day of light crude oil and natural gas liquids.
For more information about MAE, please visit www.michigan.gov/energy or sign up for its listservs to keep up on MAE matters.
Here are the responses from Governor Rick Snyder and Attorney General Bill Schuette:
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder issued the following statement in regard to the announcement made today by several state departments on updated information about Enbridge’s Line 5:
“Protection of Michigan’s natural resources is of utmost importance, and I am greatly concerned by the new information regarding Line 5. I have directed our departments to accelerate an aggressive review of Enbridge operations and maintenance procedures throughout the state.”
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette today released the following statement expressing concerns about new information confirming gaps in the protective coating of Line 5. Schuette joined the directors of DNR, DEQ, MAE and the State Police in calling for the immediate inspection of the areas around every anchor on Line 5, a report to the DNR and DEQ of any findings from the inspections, a copy of the video of the recent work performed on the pipeline, and repair within 30 days of any damage to the pipeline’s coating:
“I am greatly concerned by the gaps discovered on the outer protective coating of Line 5. We need to focus on a timeline to close Line 5, with a defined plan to ensure that Michigan residents in the UP have reliable access to propane and protect our lakes with sound science and modern regulatory policy.”
Here is the press release from Oil & Water Don’t Mix:
Erosion of Line 5 enamel coating another clear sign of grave risk posed by aging pipelines
Oil & Water Don’t Mix: State must step in where Enbridge won’t, and shut down Line 5
LANSING – Citizens groups today said Enbridge Energy’s acknowledgment of enamel erosion in three areas of the Line 5 pipelines is yet another signal that the aging pipelines have been improperly maintained, posing a daily threat to the Great Lakes and Michigan’s economy. Oil & Water Don’t Mix called for the State of Michigan to go beyond calling only for repairs to the enamel, and shut down the aging pipelines due to their unacceptable risk to the Great Lakes.
“Nearly every detail that comes to light about Line 5 points to decades of negligence on the part of Enbridge Energy, and today’s revelation that enamel coating is wearing off the pipelines simply adds to the long list of unacceptable risks Line 5 poses to Michigan,” said Liz Kirkwood, executive director of For Love of Water (FLOW). “Given their track record of negligence, we can’t trust Enbridge Energy to give us the whole story, maintain the pipelines or ensure every possible safeguard against a catastrophic Great Lakes oil spill. Rather than calling only for repairs of the coating, the State of Michigan must shut down Line 5 due to the unacceptable risk posed to our state.”
Kirkwood also said continuing violations of Enbridge’s Line 5 easement agreement should compel state officials to begin the process of decommissioning the controversial pipelines in the Straits.
A stakeholder email sent by an Enbridge official today read, in part: “Results from the August aquatic organism study will not be available for several weeks following the completion of the study; however, during the course of the associated inspection of the pipelines enamel coating, Enbridge has confirmed two locations containing small areas where there is pipeline without coating. A third location also has a possible small area of bare metal which is still being evaluated.”
Oil & Water Don’t Mix is a broad campaign of organizations, citizens and businesses across Michigan who are working to keep oil out of our Great Lakes by shutting down the dangerous, 64-year-old Line 5 Pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac. The campaign fights for clean water and air, Indigenous rights, reducing pollution, sustainable economies and protecting sporting, tourism and jobs that are dependent on our water and Pure Michigan way of life. Learn more at www.oilandwaterdontmix.org.
