Supports Planned for Line Five Pipeline

The company that owns the controversial Line Five pipeline is planning to add some additional supports to a small portion of its run through the Straits of Mackinac.

Enbridge says the Army Corps of Engineers has given it a permit to place 54 steel supports along a 75-foot area to assure the pipeline will remain stable despite changes to the lake bed.

Work will begin immediately, and could be completed by the end of the week, if weather cooperates. 

The 66-year-old dual 20-inch pipeline carries petroleum products from western Canada to refineries in Sarnia and elsewhere.

There is growing concern that a breach in the aging line could cause an ecological disaster at the Straits.