Environmental groups say time is up for Enbridge Energy after the company reported three new dents Tuesday on their line 5 pipeline beneath the straits.
Officials with the Coast Guard said the dents may have been caused by the same vessel activity last week that lead to the break of two other lines owned by American Transmission Company.
Liz Kirkwood is with For the Love of Water, an environmental group. She said the state needs to shut down the line.
“This really is the final and last call for Michigan to get in the driver's seat and take charge of a very serious and dangerous situation.”
She said it’s been eleven days since the possible anchor strike.
“That’s very troubling. Why has it taken so long for Enbridge to come forth?”
In a written statement a spokesperson for Enbridge said the dents were small and took time to confirm. They added the integrity of the pipeline has not been compromised.
Their full statement can be read below:
Enbridge took immediate action after learning of the damage to ATC’s cables in the Straits of Mackinac – possibly caused by vessel activity that is under a marine casualty investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Following a series of inspections of Line 5 in recent days, we have confirmed dents to both the East and West segments of Line 5.
A review of all leak detection systems and available data indicates the structural integrity of the pipelines has not been compromised.
We are working closely with the State, the Coast Guard and PHMSA to provide updates on our inspections and our plans moving forward.
We are taking immediate action to assess appropriate, reinforcing repairs.
Going forward, as part of our agreement with the State of Michigan we are exploring new technologies that will help ensure the safety of Line 5.