Enbridge reports oil leak in Michigan

STERLING, Mich., Feb. 16 (UPI) -- An oil pipeline running from mid-Michigan to the state's Upper Peninsula ruptured though not much crude oil was released, pipeline company Enbridge said.

Local broadcaster WOOD-TV8 reports oil contamination was discovered near Sterling, Mich., in a pipeline that runs to the state's northern territory.

A representative for the company told the broadcaster the spill was small enough that crews were able to cleanup most of the area by Wednesday evening.

Enbridge didn't reveal the type or volume of oil spilled.

Line 6B of the Canadian pipeline company's Lakehead oil pipeline ruptured July 2010 near Marshall, Mich., spilling heavy crude oil from Alberta tar sands into the Talmadge Creek and Kalamazoo River.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated more than 27,000 barrels of so-called heavy oil had been recovered, though Enbridge disputes the figures.

The EPA recovered about 18,000 barrels of oil from the surface. Officials said it was unclear how the remaining oil would affect the environment because there is no spill with which to compare the Enbridge leak.

Crews have worked or more than a year to remove oil from the bottom of Michigan waterways.