Pipeline gets approval

The Michigan Public Service Commission has given Enbridge Energy the green light to replace about 160 miles of its crude oil and petroleum pipeline through 10 southern Michigan counties. The company says the project is necessary to increase capacity and address the long-term integrity of the 6B pipeline, which ruptured near Marshall in July 2010, spilling more than 800,000 gallons of heavy crude into Talmadge Creek and the Kalamazoo River. However, Enbridge officials have said the project is not directly related to the disaster. In all, Enbridge is replacing 285 miles of pipeline in Michigan and Indiana. According to MLive.com, Enbridge has said the project will reduce future maintenance and boost capacity to meet increasing demand driven by refinery upgrades and expansions in the region. Environmental groups and property owners have been vocal critics of the project.  (MRN)