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Pipe Line Under Straits of Mackinac Deemed Safe

Mackinac Bridge
WKAR File Photo
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WKAR-MSU
Mackinac Island's Line 5 has been deemed safe by Enbridge

Enbridge says a test over the weekend of the line that runs under the west bay of the Straits of Mackinac showed no signs of leaks or breaks. Enbridge ran a successful test of the east line earlier this month.
  

John Gauderman is with Enbridge.

“Our job continues to be ensuring the safety and reliability of Line 5 through the straits, as well as our entire system in every community through which it traverses," said Gauderman.

The pressure test on Line 5 is part of a court settlement following the Kalamazoo River spill seven years ago.

A state board is waiting on two Line 5 studies. One assesses the safety of line. The other is on potential alternatives to running pipes under the water.
 

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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