"State Demands Enbridge Fix Mackinac Pipe Coating Gaps"

"LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder on Wednesday ordered an accelerated and “aggressive” review of Enbridge Energy operations and maintenance procedures after the company revealed that at least two areas on twin pipelines running under the Straits of Mackinac are missing enamel coating.

A third spot also may be missing protective coating, the Canada-based energy firm said, promising repairs as it disclosed preliminary results of a federally required pipeline inspection. The 645-mile Line 5 pipeline carries 23 million gallons of light crude oil and some liquid natural gas through the straits each day, according to the company.

The new revelation drew criticism throughout state government. The Michigan departments of Environmental Quality, Natural Resources, State Police and the Michigan Agency for Energy called on the company to quickly fix any coating issues. Attorney General Bill Schuette joined them in calling for immediate anchor-area inspections."

Michael Gerstein and Jonathan Oosting report for the Detroit News August 30, 2017.