A decade since oil spewed into the Kalamazoo River from Enbridge’s Line 6B, the cleanup effort is ending. But the spill’s legacy lives on in the debate it sparked over Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac.
Kelly House
Kelly House covers Michigan environmental issues for Bridge. She joined the Bridge staff in March 2020. Previously, Kelly reported for the Oregonian, where her coverage of the environment and other topics garnered national honors and sparked state efforts to better protect Oregon’s natural resources. She has a master’s degree in environmental law from Lewis & Clark Law School and a bachelor’s in journalism from Michigan State University. She is from Harrison and lives in Lansing. You can reach her at khouse@bridgemi.com or on Twitter at @Kelly_M_House.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Legal claim blames federal regulators for Edenville Dam failure
In a claim filed this week, a Sanford couple whose home was destroyed in the floodwater argues federal regulators never should have granted Boyce Hydro a license to generate power at the Edenville Dam.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan’s coast is being armored with seawalls, making erosion worse
Desperate to save homes from encroaching waves, shoreline property owners are hardening shorelines on the Great Lakes at a feverish pace. Experts fear these barriers will do harm in the long term.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan coastal towns try sand 'renourishment’ to restore beaches
Great Lakes towns affected by rapid erosion amid record-high water levels are petitioning the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to bolster their beaches with sand transported from offsite.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
On Mackinac Island, Lake Huron’s waves are destroying an iconic highway
State officials are scrambling to save the carless road that encircles the island, beloved as one of Michigan most scenic bike rides. High waters and relentless winter storms are chewing up state coastal roads.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Lawyers for Michigan argue to keep Enbridge Line 5 closed for safety
Line 5 will remain closed until further notice, after a judge declined to rule from the bench Tuesday on state attorney’s request for a preliminary injunction to keep the petroleum pipeline closed until Enbridge convinces the state it’s safe to reopen.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan regulator: Enbridge needs permission to move Line 5 into tunnel
The Michigan Public Service Commission ruled that Enbridge must get its approval to move Line 5 into a tunnel it already had permission to build below the Straits of Mackinac, teeing up a lengthy public debate.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Enbridge Line 5 shutdown prompts Michigan debate over risks vs. economic harm
After a judge ordered the pipeline temporarily shuttered following damage last week, an Upper Peninsula lawmaker said he feared economic repercussions. But energy analysts say a short-term stoppage won’t cause much pain.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan judge orders temporary Enbridge Line 5 shutdown
Ingham County Circuit Court Judge James Jamo orders Canadian oil company Enbridge to cease operations “as immediately as possible,” following reports last week of damage to the lake-bottom petroleum pipeline.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan Democratic congressional members seek Enbridge Line 5 shutdown
In a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, Democratic members also called for a federal investigation into what caused damage to an anchor support on the lakebottom pipeline.