Attorney General Bill Schuette announced Tuesday that he will file a lawsuit against a company allegedly responsible for the break of two power lines beneath the Straits of Mackinac.
In a written press release, the AG identifies Escanaba based Vanenkevort Tug and Barge Inc. as the company responsible for dragging an anchor across the bottom of the straits, causing dents in the Line 5 pipeline and rupturing two power lines owned by American Transmission Company.
Andrea Bitely is a spokesperson for the AG. She said the company could face a 25-thousand dollar fine for the violation as well as additional fines for environmental damage.
“It’s clearly marked as a no anchor zone on navigational charts. It’s a Michigan based company and one would hope that everyone in the state of Michigan was aware of line 5 and was aware of the straits of Mackinac being a very fragile ecological area in our state.”
A spokesperson for the Coast Guard said their investigation is ongoing and they could not confirm the identity of the vessel.
A spokesperson for Vanenkevort Tug and Barge said they are working with the Coast Guard on their investigation. They say their boat was quote "among several vessels which transited the area."
Their full statement can be read below:
VanEnkevort Tug & Barge confirms they are actively engaged with the Coast Guard in an investigation into an incident that occurred in the Straits of Mackinac.
An underwater power cable was reported to be damaged on April 1st and a tug and one of our barges were among several vessels which transited the area.
We are fully participating with all relevant authorities as they conduct the investigation.
Due to the ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.