Michigan, USA: Enbridge expects... $3.7 million fine
3rd July 2012
Federal regulators on Monday proposed a $3.7 million fine, the largest penalty ever imposed, against Enbridge Inc for a July 2010 oil spill caused by a ruptured pipeline which dumped more than 800,000 gallons (3.03 million litres) of crude oil into the Kalamazoo river and a tributary creek in Michigan.
'We will hold pipeline operators accountable if they do not follow proper safety procedures to protect the environment and local communities,' Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement.
The Transportation Department's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) order against Enbridge accuses the company of 24 violations of hazardous liquid pipeline regulations, including failing to adhere to regulations for maintaining pipeline integrity going back as far as 2004.
"Enbridge appreciates the hard work and due diligence that PHMSA has put into this investigation," said Stephen Wuori, president for liquid pipelines.
He added in a statement issued Monday evening that the company has made ”numerous enhancements to the processes and procedures in our control centre.”
Enbridge has 30 days to respond to the order.