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Enbridge says pressure test shows Line 5 is safe

Flickr User L. Braughler https://flic.kr/p/6CuzQd

  

Enbridge Energy says it’s pressure testing the structural integrity of Line Five beneath the Straits of Mackinac. The company says the results appear to show the oil and gas pipeline does not pose a serious threat to the Great Lakes.

 

The company tested the first of two underwater pipes over the weekend.

Enbridge spokesman Russ Duffy says the pipe was subjected to pressure several times more intense than what it’s exposed to on a normal day without a problem.

“The test confirms that the west strait segment of Line Five is fit for service.”

Duffy says test put six times the normal amount of internal pressure on the western leg of the underwater pipeline. He says the company expects a similar test this week on the eastern leg of the line will find the same thing. Duffy says Line Five is the safest way to move oil and natural gas.

“It is important for Enbridge to meet the energy needs of Michigan families and businesses at the same time protecting the Great Lakes, and we feel the best way to do that is by operating Line Five safely.”

Charlotte Jameson is with the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, which has called for the line to be shut down. She says pressure testing is helpful, but there are better measures of whether Line Five is safe.

“So I think there are definitely things we could be doing and should be doing to kind of put to bed some of these concerns.”

A state commission has asked for two studies on the safety of Line Five, and possible alternatives. Those reports are expected to be submitted in the next few weeks.