31 August, 2017
Enbridge Inc. said Wednesday the gaps were noticed during a recent inspection.
The coating protects the oil and gas line that runs beneath the Straits of Mackinac from corrosion.
In response to the findings, the state called for the immediate inspection of areas around every anchor on Line 5, a report to the DNR and DEQ of any findings from the inspections, a copy of the video of the recent work performed on the pipeline, and fix within 30 days of any damage to the pipeline's coating.
The Michigan State Police, Departments of Environmental Quality and Natural Resources, and the Michigan Agency for Energy said they were concerned by information showing there are gaps in the protective coating on parts of Line 5, at least one of which was caused when Enbridge installed new supportive anchors. "I have directed our departments to accelerate an aggressive review of Enbridge operations and maintenance procedures throughout the state". "Given their track record of negligence, we can't trust Enbridge Energy to give us the whole story, maintain the pipelines or ensure every possible safeguard against a catastrophic Great Lakes oil spill".
State Attorney General Bill Schuette reiterated his call to work toward decommissioning the Straits pipelines.
A recent hydro-test the company performed under the supervision of the DEQ and EPA showed the line could withstand the pressure it did when originally installed 64 years ago.
Areas of missing, protective pipeline coating were discovered during underwater Enbridge inspections earlier this month.
"We need to focus on a timeline to close Line 5, with a defined plan to ensure that MI residents in the U.P. have reliable access to propane, and protect our lakes with sound science and modern regulatory policy", he said. "None of the areas involve where delamination of the outer wrap over the coating had been observed".
Besides the coating issue, Enbridge's Duffy said no damage to the pipeline was found during its latest safety review.
DISCLOSURE: Enbridge Energy is a financial supporter of Michigan Radio. But the coating issues raise "real concern", said Valerie Brader, executive director of the Michigan Agency for Energy. "Rather than calling only for repairs of the coating, the State of MI must shut down Line 5 due to the unacceptable risk posed to our state". Human error contributed to a major spill into the Kalamazoo River, also from Enbridge. "These coating gaps point to other areas where human error, not the environment, is creating problems". It transports up to 540,000 barrels a day of light crude oil and natural gas liquids. "Until that happens, we as a state will not be satisfied".
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