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