Friday, May 15, 2015

Enbridge pays $75 million to settle 2010 Michigan spill
















Calgary-based Enbridge agreed Wednesday to pay $75 million to settle a 2010 pipeline spill at the Kalamazoo River in Michigan.

The company will pay $30 million to restore and construct 300 acres of wetlands, $18 million to remove the Cersco Dam and $10 million to cover construction and improvement costs for recreational sites, the Detroit Free Press said.

Enbirdge will also pay $5 million to the state of Michigan for additional restoration at the Kalamazoo River and $12 million to reimburse the state’s cleanup costs.

The July 2010 spill released about 800,000 gallons of oil from an Enbridge owned and operated pipeline into the Talmadge Creek and the Kalamazoo River near Marshall, Michigan.

According to state officials the spill affected 38 miles of river and 4,435 acres of shoreline.

“This is a huge win for Michigan’s environment This settlement will mean improved water quality, improved fish and wildlife habitat, and an improved experience for river users in the years to come,” Michigan Department of Environmental Quality director Dan Wyant said.