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Senators Raise Questions About Underwater Oil Pipeline

Michigan U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow is frustrated the bill hasn't come to a vote in the U.S. House.
Michigan U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow is frustrated the bill hasn't come to a vote in the U.S. House.

  Michigan’s two U.S. Senators are raising a series of questions about the safety of an oil pipeline that runs under the Straits of Mackinac. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin are asking for a response from the federal agency that oversees pipeline safety.

Earlier this year Enbridge Energy increased the flow in line 5 by 50,000 barrels a day. That also meant increased pressure in the 60 year old line.

The senators point out that a spill in the waters of the Straits would have devastating effects on the Great lakes and on the region’s economy.

Environmental advocates held a rally at the Straits last summer to highlight the risks of the underwater pipeline.

Enbridge says it passed all the required safety testing before increasing the flow.

Carl Levin. Courtesy photo.
U.S. Senator Carl Levin.

A different Enbridge pipeline ruptured near the Kalamazoo River three years ago. That cleanup is still going on.

Click here for the full text of the letter sent Wednesday.

Bob Allen reports on a variety of issues that reflect the changes and challenges that affect northern Michigan including rapid population growth in a region of unsurpassed natural beauty. Bob has often noted that he is proud inform and enrich lives in the local community by presenting an array of fine programming through Interlochen Public Radio.