The Great Lakes and the Straits of Mackinac are precious waterways, particularly to those who have enjoyed them for decades. With this in mind, Enbridge also encourages our neighbors in the region “to act boldly” in regard to Line 5 by not perpetuating the misinformation shared in a March 10 letter to the editor.

Line 5 was designed and engineered to last, and exist harmoniously within the beautiful region generations have enjoyed.

For decades Line 5 has delivered needed products like natural gas liquids, used for propane, and light oil to Michigan day in, day out — reliably and safely. Michiganders have relied on this pipeline to heat their homes, businesses and schools, as well as to provide gasoline to keep the State moving.

The portion of Line 5 that crosses the Straits is located in an area that minimizes external corrosion, one of the main threats to pipeline safety. Plus, we send electrical charges through the pipeline to make sure corrosion doesn’t occur. Our recent tests show that Line 5 is in very good shape.

The robust engineering and construction used for Line 5 is combined with Enbridge’s uncompromising inspection and maintenance program. It is part of Enbridge’s proactive approach to safety.

The 2010 incident near Kalamazoo served as a catalyst to reinvigorate Enbridge’s commitment to safety. Since then, Enbridge has invested more than $4 billion in enhanced monitoring — which includes additional staff to maintain safe pipeline operations.

It is important that the information being shared reflects the facts: Enbridge has used a variety of protection methods to keep Line 5 operating safely.

Misinformation does little more than foster a climate of fearmongering. At the end of the day, Michigan needs Line 5 and the energy it delivers, around the clock, safely and reliably.

Blake Olson

Enbridge Energy

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