Why a 36-year-old Michigan oil spill still matters today

Michigan Public | By Stateside Staff

Published May 11, 2016 at 5:30 PM EDT

The 1980 oil spill in Hiawatha National Forest still raises concerns over Enbridge's pipelines in Michigan

A Michigan oil spill is still bringing in new questions, even after its events took place over 30 years ago.

It was around 1980 when Canadian oil transport company Enbridge leaked five barrels of oil into the Hiawatha National Forest. However, they were only able to clean up four of the barrels, leaving the area contaminated to this day.

The same company owns 63-year-old pipelines that run under the Straits of Mackinac, causing concern over the safety of Michigan's shorelines.

Detroit Free Press reporter Keith Matheny joined Cynthia Canty on Stateside to understand why this spill still matters today.

Keith Matheny joined us on Stateside.