Michigan Questions Enbridge On Condition Of Underwater Line 5

The Michigan attorney general’s office is demanding more details from Enbridge Energy. The company recently notified the state it would need to add additional anchors for its more than half-century old twin oil pipelines running under the Straits of Mackinac, which connects Lake Michigan to Lake Huron.

Enbridge Energy spokesman Ryan Duffy said a June inspection this year found steel supports had drifted apart. But, he said there was no danger of a spill.

“It’s really a dynamic environment down there. There’s erosion. There’s currents. Sediments are washing away,” he said. “That will, at times, increase the distance between the support anchors. If we see that happening, those are places where we need to add additional supports.”

Enbridge is seeking permits from Michigan to install 19 supports for its Line 5. The pipelines carry around 23 million gallons of oil and liquid natural gas a day.

In a letter to Enbridge, Michigan’s attorney general’s office claims the company has violated its pipeline easement more than once. The office wants a copy of the most recent inspection to find out why more supports are needed.