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News From 91.3 KUWS
Group alleges troubled history with Enbridge pipeline spills
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Enbridge wants to build two new pipelines from Superior to Chicago 10/6/2006 |
A coalition of groups is alleging that the two crude oil pipelines planned to be built from Superior to Whitewater will leak into the state's rivers and streams. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.
In comments filed with the state Department of Natural Resources, the umbrella legal group Midwest Environmental Advocates says pipeline builder Enbridge Incorporated of Houston has a documented history of seam weld failures from fatigue cracks. Environmental Advocates Director Melissa Scanlan cites a National Transportation Safety Board report that the type of piping used by Enbridge is vulnerable to failures. "Yes, it's the nature of the pipeline to leak, that there will be a rupture and that there will be thousands of gallons of crude oil potentially going out to public waterways, that's a policy decision of the state to determine whether or not that is an acceptable environmental risk." Enbridge pipeline had a spill in Minnesota of a quarter of a million gallons and one in Superior of 100,000 gallons in the past four years. Since the 321-mile pipeline will cross 242 rivers and streams, including the Black, Fox and Wisconsin Rivers, Scanlan thinks the DNR needs to order a full environmental review of the project. But Enbridge Spokeswoman Denise Hamsher says they have a good track record with few spills. "We don't accept leaks. Our goal is zero. We don't build-in leaks as an acceptable way of operating. So our goal with the way we operate and inspect the line, repair and check any early signs of defects before they leak is our goal." The DNR environmental analyst on this case says approval is not a done deal and that more environmental review will be done with a public comment period next month. Even so, the pipeline could be approved by December.
Previous KUWS Articles:- Superior's eco-industrial park gets a boost from a state official -10/11/2006
- Birkie to recreate the rescue of King Hokin -10/10/2006
- Columbus Day observed by Native Americans at UWS -10/9/2006
- Civil disobedience protester leaves Duluth federal prison -10/8/2006
- Apple Fest expects 50,000 people this weekend in Bayfield -10/7/2006
