Enbridge shifts to cleanup after restart

MARSHALL, Mich., Sept. 28 (UPI) -- The focus now is on cleanup after Line 6B of the Lakehead oil pipeline system in Michigan has resumed operations, Canadian pipeline company Enbridge said.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration last week gave approval to Enbridge to gradually restart Line 6B provided the company addresses a list of issues on the pipeline system.

Enbridge confirmed late Monday "the gradual restart of Line 6B is under way" in accordance with the restart plan approved by the PHMSA.

Line 6B ruptured in late July near Marshall, Mich., dumping around 20,000 barrels of oil into the Talmadge Creek and Kalamazoo River.

Michigan lawmakers expressed concern over a series of "anomalies" discovered on Line 6B and evidence of a 12-inch dent on a section of the pipeline running under the St. Clair River.

Environmental regulators gave the Canadian pipeline company until Oct. 31 to address contamination of Michigan streams and riverbanks.

Enbridge in a statement said its top priority was addressing environmental issues.

"Enbridge's focus remains on the cleanup efforts as the priority," the company said. "Cleanup of Talmadge Creek continues, and the focus moves toward restoration."

Two sections of the damaged pipeline near Marshall are at the Virginia headquarters of the National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the July rupture.