ST. JOSEPH (WKZO AM/FM) — Congressman Fred Upton has sent a letter to Enbridge saying he expects immediate action and more transparency in its dealings, following the revelation that construction activities to left gaps and gouges in line 5’s waterproof coating.
The pipeline firm was trying to correct earlier complaints that the pipeline was no longer in compliance with the state compact because there was too much space between the anchors that bolt the pipeline to the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac.
Upton says in the letter, “These most recent findings raise serious concerns about Enbridge’s actions and its compliance with pipeline safety laws and regulations necessary to ensure public health and safety and the protection of our natural resources.
As you know, the Great Lakes are a precious natural resource for our state and the entire Midwest region. A spill would be catastrophic with immediate and long-term harm.”
Upton’s letter comes after the discovery of the coating gaps set off a new round of demands from environmental groups that the pipeline immediately be shut down and from the Attorney General that there be a shutdown after efforts are taken to assure that replacement methods are in place to make sure there are no spot shortages of energy.
