×

Enbridge tunnel approved

EDITOR:

Well, Enbridge weaseled their way to convince Governor Snyder and Attorney Bill Schuette that a tunnel for Line 5 under our Straits of Mackinac is a good alternative to the existing aging Line 5.

Not only that, they dumped the whole mess on the Mackinac Bridge Authority. According to the Detroit News on Oct. 15, the “boys” claim “The state maintains the Mackinac Bridge Authority has the legal right to oversee the construction of the pipeline since the definition of “bridge” in the statute governing the authority is broad and includes infrastructure such as tunnels, said Assistant Attorney General Robert Reichel. Nonetheless, legislation is being drafted that would clarify and cement that authority for the organization. The state did not consult with the authority before announcing the plan, said Creagh, who added that such a conversation would be “inappropriate.” Inappropriate? Wow, what a dump that was. They wash their hands pat themselves on the back, and walk away. What integrity eh? But, it’s not a done deal. We must write letters to the Mackinac Bridge Authority now opposing any pipeline(s) under the Straits period. A tunnel is a stupid idea and will take seven to 10 years to complete. We all know construction delays occur repeatedly, while the oil continues to flow. Part of the state’s Oct. 3 agreement with Enbridge requires the utility have staff on hand to close the line within 15 minutes if waves measure six and a half feet for at least an hour and commence with the shutdown if waves measure at eight feet for at least an hour. The agreement expanded on a temporary requirement to shut down operations if waves exceed eight feet. Chris Shepler, president of Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry and a member of the Michigan Pipeline Safety Advisory Board, said he was on the water for 11 hours Sept. 21 and estimated the waves were anywhere between 10 and 12 feet tall. “If we didn’t shut down that pipe on (Sept.) 21st, then how can we be assured, how can we trust, how can we go into this (agreement) together?” The state shut down the Mackinac Bridge that day because winds blowing across the bridge surface were in excess of 50 miles per hour. But Enbridge didn’t shut down the pipeline per the agreement. This company has absolutely no credibility and has illustrated it time and time again. Why can’t you Yoopers get this?

Contact Melissa DeKeyser at DeKeyserM@michigan.gov who will forward your concerns to the Mackinac Bridge Authority. Let’s get real here. No pipeline, period!

Gerry Niedermaier

Gladstone

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today