Protestors attempt to block replacement Enbridge oil pipeline in Michigan

Authorities in Michigan, USA say they've arrested eight people who are part of a protest that's attempting to block Enbridge Inc. from building a replacement oil pipeline across the state into southwestern Ontario.

The Ingham County sheriff's department said four other people who had attached themselves to equipment will also be arrested for trespassing.

Oilsands opposition in Michigan

The arrests came during a protest about 90 km west of Detroit by the Michigan Coalition Against Tar Sands — referring to the Alberta oilsands.

In 2010, an Enbridge pipeline running through the state on its way from Indiana to Sarnia, Ont., ruptured, spilling approximately 20 000 barrels of crude into the Kalamazoo River near Marshall, Michigan.

The incident raised concerns about the potential environmental impact of pipeline spills and contributed to opposition to TransCanada Corp.'s Keystone XL — a high-profile north-south pipeline project between Alberta and Texas.

Other protest in Canada

In Canada, there have been protests against Enbridge's plans to reverse the flow of a line between Sarnia and Montreal in order to move Alberta crude to Montreal.

Police removed a group of protesters last month at an Enbridge pumping station in Ontario near Hamilton after the company obtained a court injunction.

Edited from various sources by Elizabeth Corner

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/23072013/protestors_attempt_to_block_replacement_enbridge_oil_pipeline_in_michigan/