Line 5 flow resumes as Enbridge prepares to inspect damaged oil pipeline
ST. IGNACE, MI -- Enbridge Energy's Line 5 oil and gas pipeline is once again operating after bad weather in the Straits of Mackinac caused a daylong shutdown.
The company restarted the flow of oil and natural gas liquids at 3:15 p.m. Monday, April 16, Enbridge spokesperson Ryan Duffy said in a statement.
"We continue to monitor the weather conditions in the Straits and provide updates to the state, Coast Guard and PHMSA," Duffy said. "Enbridge is committed to protecting the waters of the Great Lakes while ensuring families, manufacturers and other businesses safely receive the energy transported through Line 5."
The twin pipelines were shut down Sunday in the wake of calls from U.S. Sens. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, and Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, for state and federal authorities to suspend operations until a visual inspection of recent damage to the pipes can be completed. Peters also cited the weather, including forecasts calling for waves as high as 12 feet.
Enbridge is required to suspend operation of Line 5 whenever waves exceed 8 feet as part of a temporary agreement the company signed with the state late last year.
More (Includes photo gallery): http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2018/04/line_5_flow_resumes_as_enbridg.html
Straits of Mackinac during a Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City MH-60 overflight on April 4, 2018. The Coast Guard conducted overflights of areas of interest for a mineral oil spill from a submerged utility line to monitor the extent of the spill and identify any product on the surface. U.S. Coast Guard photo
