Background

Underneath the crystal blue water of the Straits of Mackinac lie two 20-inch pipelines owned and operate by a Canadian-based oil transport conglomerate, Enbridge Energy. Each day 23 million gallons of oil pump through the heart of the Great Lakes within these pipelines. Enbridge has a pipeline network that is among the largest in the world. For Michiganders familiar with the devastating oil spill in the Kalamazoo River in July 2010, Enbridge’s failures have hit home. The pipeline rupture near Marshall, MI spilled about one million gallons of oil into the Kalamazoo River system and was the largest and most costly inland oil spill in American history. Between 1999 and 2010, Enbridge has been responsible for 800 spills in North America, dumping nearly 6.8 million gallons of oil. This is the company responsible for protecting the Great Lakes from what would be a catastrophic rupture in a 63-year-old pipeline in an area of the state that is home to tribal fishing grounds, drinking water for millions, shoreline parks, robust Pure Michigan tourism and historic Mackinac Island. 

Concerns

When Line 5 was constructed in 1953 across the five-mile wide Straits of Mackinac, it was considered a major engineering feat of its time. But as a 2014 University of Michigan study concluded, the Straits are the “worst possible place” for an oil pipeline rupture. Extreme, unpredictable currents that were unaccounted for in 1953 create destabilizing washouts along the lakebed where Line 5 rests. These swift and fluctuating currents could quickly flush any oil spilled at the Straits into Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

What You Can Do 

Right now, you can make your voice heard by signing our petition to let President Simon know that MSU Students support the decommissioning of the Line 5 pipeline. We will keep you informed and let you know when it’s time to take more action in support of the Great Lakes and ending the flow of oil in the Straits of Mackinac.

 Spartan Sierra Club

The Spartan Sierra Club is a group of students on Michigan State's campus that work on various environmental issues. This year, our club has been spreading awareness of the Line 5 issue and hosting events to get students involved. 

You can contact us at sierraclubmsu@gmail.com.