Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline continues to face public scrutiny.
Several state officials heard public comment on Tuesday. It was the first of three such sessions planned around the state.
The line sends oil and natural gas across sections Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas – and through the Mackinac Straits.
Melody Kindraka is with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. She said the feedback is important for deciding the future of Line 5.
“We recognize that there’s a lot of public interest around this topic and we wanted to offer multiple opportunities for people to have their voice to be heard and give us their input,” she said.
Lisa Bashert of Ypsilanti was one of the just over one hundred people in attendance at Tuesday’s early morning session in Holt.
“What’s at stake is one-fifth of the world’s fresh water!” said Bashert, who believes there’s no amount of acceptable risk when it comes to the water in the Great Lakes.
She said the government is failing to protect the interests of all Michiganders by keeping the pipeline open.
The public comment period is open until August 19th. The state hopes to have a final draft of the report by the fall.