Rep. Upton sends letter to Enbridge puts its safety, actions into question
Joining his voice to the increasing pressure on Enbridge over its Line 5 pipeline, U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) dispatched a letter this week calling the company’s actions out and demanding a swift response.
The letter in question was addressed to Al Monaco, Enbridge’s president and CEO. Upton responded to the state’s order that Enbridge restores a protective coating on parts of their pipeline running under the Straits of Mackinac, following the disturbing news that they had damaged it during operations. The company later admitted that their construction activities may have caused or played a role in that incident, building on a public image that has been falling since another of their pipelines burst and contaminated the Kalamazoo River in 2010.
Reminding the CEO of the critical nature of the Great Lakes as both natural resources and public health concerns, Upton called the company’s safety policies into question.
“My provision in the law requires Enbridge to conduct internal inspections annually, and other types of inspections, such as route surveys, pressure tests, and external corrosion assessments, on a schedule based on the significant risk that the pipeline poses to the Great Lakes and surrounding areas,” Upton wrote. “Despite the hydrotest conducted this summer, the more recent disclosure of a loss of protective coating and the likelihood that human error was a factor raises serious concerns about Enbridge’s compliance with federal pipeline safety laws.”
Line 5 has been in existence since 1953 and runs 645 miles. Citing his chairmanship of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Upton urged the company to immediately begin repairs and to provide him with a detailed report of damages and proof of their compliance with the law.
“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,” Upton wrote. “A spill would be catastrophic with immediate and long-term harm. I expect immediate action and improved transparency when it comes to issues with Line 5. Rest assured I will remain hyper-vigilant and expect prompt response to my request.”
