Legal wrangling between Calgary-based Enbridge and the State of Michigan has heated up again over the controversial Line 5 pipeline between Superior, Wisconsin and Sarnia.
Attorney General Dana Nessel filed court motions Monday for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction after the company reported late last week that an anchor support had shifted on the east leg of the pipeline running beneath the Straits of Mackinac.
Both the east and west legs were shut down for inspection but the state said Enbridge unilaterally reopened the west leg June 20 without any opportunity for discussion first. It wants the entire line shut down pending a full, independent review.
In a letter to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the company claims an injunction is not necessary. It said the west leg was shut down and inspected as a precaution, and operation of the east leg will not resume without discussion with the state and approval from its safety regulator, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Line 5, built in 1953, carries oil and natural gas liquids used in propane beneath the Straits of Mackinac to industries in Sarnia and elsewhere in the province and Quebec.
The attorney general wants the line permanently shut down which is the subject of ongoing litigation.
Enbridge has proposed building a new 6.4-kilometre tunnel under the straits to replace the existing dual line.
Elected officials in Sarnia-Lambton sent a letter to the Michigan governor in June of last year urging the state to keep the line open.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley has stated he supports Enbridge's plan for a new tunnel.
