Enbridge returns service to Line 6B

MARSHALL, Mich., Sept. 29 (UPI) -- A section of a pipeline that leaked oil in Michigan two months ago has safely returned to service, pipeline company Enbridge announced.

Line 6B burst in late July, spilling around 20,000 barrels of oil into waterways in southern Michigan. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration approved the restart last week and Enbridge began pressure testing the line Monday.

In a late Tuesday statement, the company confirmed the line returned to normal service.

"The graduated return to service of Line 6B was conducted in accordance with the previously approved restart plan accepted by the PHMSA as amended Sept. 22," the company said in a statement.

The PHMSA ordered the company to repair "every portion" of Line 6B known to have so-called anomalies within 180 days. Enbridge has until Oct. 31 to clean up whatever oil remains in area waterways.

Terrance McGill, president of the company's U.S. operations, said his commitment now was to complete the cleanup process.

Enbridge, he said, would stay in southern Michigan "as long as necessary" to make sure it meets the requirements outlined by local, state and federal authorities.