Public invited to comment on Mackinac pipeline plan

LANSING (AP) — State officials are taking public comments on a plan by Enbridge Energy Partners to install additional supports for its twin oil pipelines in the waterway where Lakes Michigan and Huron meet.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality says a 20-day comment period began last week for an Enbridge application for a permit to place the steel supports beneath sections of the Straits of Mackinac pipelines.

An easement granted in the 1950s requires that the pipelines have some type of support no more than 75 feet apart. Enbridge informed the DEQ and other agencies this summer that some spots exceed the limit because of erosion beneath the pipes.

The company wants to install anchors in up to 22 locations.

The application and public notice may be viewed at https://miwaters.deq.state.mi.us/.