TRAVERSE CITY, MI (MPRN)-- Representatives from federal agencies, Enbridge, and industry and environmental groups testified about Line 5, oil spill prevention, and preparedness at a Senate Commerce Committee field hearing in Traverse City Monday.
Michigan Senator Gary Peters grilled panelists for two hours in a packed auditorium on the campus of Northwestern Michigan Community College.
Peters asked about the federal response to an anchor strike incident in the Straits of Mackinac in April of this year, questioning the timeline and whether inspection of damage to the pipeline was a high enough priority. Peters asked Enbridge about a high wave event shortly after the strike, when he says they were reluctant to suspend operations.
"Can you see why that is something that people look at and say, Enbridge is not really focused on going the extra measure of safety, when they had a damaged pipe and severe weather and they pushed back on shutting down to make sure nothing happened?" he said.
Peters' questions also covered the condition of the pipeline, whether or not Michigan really needs it, and the logistics of a possible decommission. Enbridge said in an email statement that pipeline safety and emergency response preparedness are a critical priority.