Guest Article: Line 5 and Market Realities

By Gene Champagne*

Recently I was listening to the public comments being offered to the Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) regarding the proposed Line 5 tunnel project in the Straits of Mackinac. I was not planning on offering my own public comment until I heard a Dickinson County Commissioner comment that regurgitated refrain that resembles comments from our UP state house and senate representatives, many county officials and economic development gurus. Their statements are straight from the Enbridge public relations subterfuge. Enbridge is a foreign company that stands to profit immensely from the continuation of Line 5, tunnel or not.

The misinformed refrain goes something like this: "We need Line 5 and this tunnel because many UP residents rely on propane for cooking and winter heat. If Line 5 is discontinued propane prices will skyrocket and many residents will not be able to pay for it. Without it UP residents will be in danger of losing their only source of winter heat. Many UP residents are elderly and live on fixed incomes."

Well, I am a senior citizen living on a fixed income. I live in Big Bay and have a camp in Grand Marais. I rely solely upon propane at both properties. Unlike our local and other UP "leaders," I actually did my homework rather than taking the easy way out by repeating a refrain that may not be true.

I contacted the propane suppliers for both residences to inquire about supplies and storage, both at their end and mine. Their responses were nearly identical. Both companies have responded to market conditions, especially since the polar vortex of 2014. They have added storage and have been contracting to receive their supplies from a differing number of sources including Kinross, Lansing, and various Wisconsin locales including Superior. They do receive some supplies from the Rapid River fractionator that is supplied by Line 5, but it is nothing they depend upon. I was assured by both company representatives that a disruption of propane from Line 5, whether by accident, policy/political decisions, or market disruptions would not affect my propane supply in a negative way. Prices could rise slightly, but nothing severe. My current propane bill reflects no dramatic change that I would notice.

These pricing facts confirm the estimation made by Plains Midstream representative Luc Mageau at the Upper Peninsula Energy Task Force meeting in Hancock on September 20, 2019, in Hancock. Plains Midstream is a Canadian company that owns the oil, along with the Rapid River fractionator and Kinross storage facility. Enbridge is the pipeline owner that transports the oil. At the task force meeting Mr. Mageau, in my opinion, did not seem to care who or how the oil was moved, as long as his company was paid for it.**

I mentioned this information to a friend from the Copper Country. She took it upon herself to ask the same questions of her propane supplier and received the same answers. She then called a second supplier to confirm consistency of fact and received the same answer.

Our propane suppliers in the UP have adapted to market conditions and made the necessary adjustments to ensure reliable service and delivery of propane to their customers. I find it insulting that our "leaders" disparage our small business UP propane suppliers by continuing this false narrative. Our propane suppliers understand the needs of their customers and the vagaries of the propane market and have responded in a responsible manner. Our "leaders" need to do their jobs, get the facts, and start representing the people of the UP again instead of a foreign company with a pot of money for glossy full page newspaper ads, speaking fees, and campaign contributions.

I also received additional information that came from one supplier I contacted. It was confirmed by the second supplier. The Rapid River facility was shut down for an inordinate amount of time this summer, much longer than the normal spring maintenance shutdown. When questioned on this bit of information I had come across, I was told by one supplier the product had been bought up by a different entity(ies) to ship to the eastern coast of Canada for export to overseas markets (mostly Asian). This is where Enbridge realizes its maximum profit, not from UP propane. The UP and Michigan is just a short cut to the maritime provinces of Canada. When those markets dry up, Enbridge could very possibly bail. Enbridge has also diversified into renewables in major way. They understand market economies. Perhaps our "leaders," many of whom profess belief in the free market system, could use a refresher course.

I began this letter sometime after the county commissioner’s comments. As I finish it, Governor Whitmer, along with Michigan Attorney General Nessel, have announced orders to shut down the portion of Line 5 that currently is active in the Straits of Mackinac. I can already hear the whining and screams of pending disaster being blamed on "radical environmental agendas from leftist socialists." This whining that emanates from the misinformed ignores capitalist market economies and the resourcefulness our small business owners here in the UP.

It is too bad that much of the posturing comes from our “leaders”. We need leaders who actually lead, not follow. Leaders should take us cautiously, yet bravely into the future of possibilities that comes with newer 21st century technology. Real leaders do not keep us mired in the past, especially when small businesses are moving on based upon market fluctuations.  Blindly repeating the refrain of a foreign company, who could give a hoot about UP propane users, is a disservice to the citizens of the UP and the State of Michigan.

I have not named the companies that I spoke of in this article. At the time I spoke with them I did so as a customer. They answered my questions honestly as a part of their customer service policy. I did not anticipate at that time that this information would find itself going out to a public audience. There are probably some propane dealers in the UP who have not adjusted to possible market conditions and fluctuations. Hopefully, they can transition or be assisted in that transition. A capitalist market based economy will most always be the final decision maker regardless of political posturing. Regardless of repeated falsehoods and wishful thinking, the market will have its way. 

I am sure that there are a few other "wrinkles" that will need to get worked with this transition in propane procurement. That is what leadership is about and what they should be doing, not repeating sound bites from those who stand to profit temporarily at the long term expense of UP residents.

I would suggest that propane users, anyone seriously interested in the future of the UP, along with our "leaders" do not take my word for it. Call your propane dealer. How hard is that?***

Inset photo: Gene Champagne. (Photo courtesy Gene Champagne)

Editor's Notes:

* Guest author Gene Champagne is a resident of Big Bay and Grand Marais, Michigan.

** The video recording of the UP Energy Task Force September 20, 2019, meeting is available on YouTube here via the UP Energy Task Force Web site. Luc Mageau of Plains Midstream speaks toward the beginning of the meeting, at about 15 minutes. Gene Champagne speaks during the public comment period toward the end of the meeting, at about 3 hours and 16 minutes in the video. 

*** The UP Energy Task Force completed its study on propane supply April 17, 2020. See the "Upper Peninsula Energy Task Force Committee Recommendations Part I -- Propane Supply."

The US Army Corps of Engineers will hold a public hearing tomorrow, Dec. 7, on the proposed Line 5 tunnel. See: "US Army Corps of Engineers to hold online Public Hearing on Enbridge proposed Line 5 tunnel Dec. 7."

New agreement requires increased safeguards for Michigan waters, sets final schedule for decision on future of Enbridge's Line 5 petroleum pipeline

LANSING -- Gov. Rick Snyder today signed an agreement requiring immediate steps be taken to improve environmental protection for the Great Lakes and other state waterways through a binding agreement with the owners of Line 5.

"Business as usual by Enbridge is not acceptable and we are going to ensure the highest level of environmental safety standards are implemented to protect one of Michigan’s most valuable natural resources," Snyder said. "The items required in this agreement are good strides forward. The state is evaluating the entire span of Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline and its future, but we cannot wait for the analyses to be completed before taking action to defend our waterways."

Line 5 is a 645-mile pipeline that begins in Superior, Wisconsin, passes under the Straits of Mackinac, and terminates in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. Line 5 transports up to 540,000 barrels a day of light crude oil and natural gas liquids

Congressman Fred Upton, chair of the Subcommittee on Energy in the U.S. House of Representatives, has been working closely with the state on addressing concerns he has about Enbridge operations.

"This issue is not going away until it gets fixed," Upton said. "Zero tolerance for error is the only thing we will accept along with the highest safety standards in place to ensure the Great Lakes will not be at risk. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Snyder and the state of Michigan in coordinating a state and federal response. We will stay on the case through completion."

Under stipulations detailed in the agreement announced today, the state is requiring Enbridge to do the following:

•  Replace the portion of Line 5 that crosses beneath the St. Clair River with a new pipe in a tunnel under the river, a site where similar pipeline construction for Line 6B was successfully accomplished a few years ago. The St. Clair River is an important source of drinking water and an environmentally sensitive location along the pipeline. The underground replacement line will significantly lower the risk that oil could reach the river or the Great Lakes.
  
• Undertake a study, in conjunction with the state, on the placement of a new pipeline or the existing dual pipelines in a tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. The state’s alternative analysis identified tunneling as an alternative to the current pipelines. This study will examine several possible techniques and allow a much more detailed examination on the technical feasibility of such a tunnel.
• Temporarily shut down operation of Line 5 in the straits during periods of sustained adverse weather conditions, because those conditions do not allow effective response to potential oil spills. “Sustained adverse weather conditions” are defined in an appendix of the agreement.
• Assess the possible installation of underwater technologies, including cameras, to better monitor the pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac. 
• Implement technologies that improve the safety of Line 5 in the straits by allowing faster detection and a more immediate response in the event of a spill.
• Implement measures to mitigate a potential vessel anchor strike on Line 5 beneath the straits. A vessel anchor strike was identified in the final alternatives analysis as one of the most serious threats to Line 5 safety in the straits.
• In partnership with the state, implement additional measures to minimize the likelihood of an oil spill at every Line 5 water crossing in Michigan.
• Increase transparency by:
  o    providing the opportunity for the state to fully participate in each of the evaluations required under the agreement;
  o    providing all information requested by the state about the operation of Line 5 in Michigan; and
  o    meeting regularly with the state to assess and discuss any changes to the pipeline’s operation.

"This agreement is necessary to ensure increased oversight, transparency and accountability on the part of Enbridge," said DNR Director Keith Creagh. "As we continue to evaluate the pipeline at the straits, we must make sure appropriate safeguards for natural resources are in place along the full length of Line 5 in Michigan."

The agreement includes deadlines for each action. The state will hire its own experts to monitor Enbridge’s actions and review and verify the company’s data. The agreement requires the company to cooperatively identify and make available to the state relevant information regarding the operation of Line 5. The full agreement can be found on the Pipeline Safety Advisory Board website.

"Tunneling under the St. Clair River and shutting down Line 5 during adverse weather are promising first steps in safeguarding our waterways," said Valerie Brader, executive director of the Michigan Agency for Energy. "The assessment of all the options in the agreement should be done thoroughly, but quickly, so that we can move forward with additional concrete actions all along the pipeline."

Today’s agreement does not represent a final decision by the state regarding Line 5, but instead provides a clear schedule on which a decision will either be reached cooperatively with Enbridge or the state will take another path. In the meantime, the actions mandated in the agreement will improve the information available and improve safety, stewardship, and transparency.

As these measures are put in place, the evaluation of Line 5 called for by the Michigan Petroleum Pipeline Task Force Report will continue. That evaluation is being conducted by the Michigan Agency for Energy (MAE), the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), with advice from the Pipeline Safety Advisory Board.

On Nov. 20, the state released a final alternatives analysis report. The state will be accepting public feedback online and at public meetings in December on what should be done regarding Line 5 in the long term.*

With the report’s release Nov. 20 on the Pipeline Safety Advisory Board website, a month-long window opened for online comments about what the State should do regarding the future of Line 5. The deadline for comments is  Dec. 22. Comments can also be mailed to: Department of Environmental Quality, Attn: Line 5 Alternatives Analysis, P.O. Box 30473, Lansing, MI 48909-7973.

"The Line 5 crossing at the Straits of Mackinac continues to be of utmost concern to the DEQ," said C. Heidi Grether, director of DEQ. "Our charge is to protect the Great Lakes as demonstrated in this agreement. It is, however, time we start reviewing the potential impact of Line 5 in its entirety throughout Michigan. The stipulations presented in this agreement are steps in the right direction to not only protect the Great Lakes, but to protect all of Michigan’s pristine waterways and environment."

A contract for a separate independent risk analysis -- led by top researchers at Michigan Technological University -- is being finalized.* These analyses, along with public input and the new agreement, will shape a final recommendation from the state on the future of Line 5.

* Editor's Note: See our Nov. 12, 2017, article, "State announces 3 public feedback sessions on final version of Line 5 Alternatives Analysis report."

State announces 3 public feedback sessions on final version of Line 5 Alternatives Analysis report

From: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Agency for Energy
Posted Nov. 8, 2017

Michigan Tech's environmental monitoring buoy for the Straits of Mackinac was deployed on Aug. 18, 2015, from the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) research vessel R 5501 with the assistance of Tech's S/V Osprey, pictured here with the buoy just west of the Mackinac Bridge, which can be seen in the background. Michigan Tech's Guy Meadows, Great Lakes Research Center director, is now in discussions with the State to put together a team of academic experts from colleges and universities to perform a new risk analysis for Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline under the Straits. Click on photo for larger version. (Keweenaw Now file photo courtesy Guy Meadows)

LANSING -- Three public feedback sessions have been scheduled in December so the public can suggest the next steps the State should take regarding Line 5, Enbridge's 64-year-old pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac, based on information in the final version of the independent Alternatives Analysis. The report is scheduled to be released publicly on Nov. 20, and comments will be accepted online or by mail until Dec. 22, 2017.

The report by independent contractor Dynamic Risk Assessment Systems, Inc. analyzed alternatives to using Line 5, owned by Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P., to transport light crude oil and natural gas liquids from Superior, Wis., through the Straits of Mackinac to Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.

The draft report was released in July, followed by one public information meeting, three public feedback sessions, and a 45-day period where the public could offer comments and replies to comments on the report. All comments and replies to comments were considered for inclusion into the final report.*

After the State completes its review of the alternatives report, Enbridge has five business days beginning on Nov. 13 to review the report ahead of its public release a week later. Under Enbridge’s formal agreement with the state to provide funding for the Alternatives Analysis report, the company cannot ask for or have any changes made to the document.

Details about the public feedback opportunities:

• Wednesday, Dec. 6, in Taylor, beginning at 6 p.m., at the Heinz C. Prechter Educational and Performing Arts Center, Wayne County Community College District, Downriver Campus, 21000 Northline Road.
• Tuesday, Dec. 12, in St. Ignace, beginning at 6 p.m., at the Little Bear Arena and Community Center, 275 Marquette St.
• Wednesday, Dec. 13, in Traverse City, beginning at 6 p.m., West Bay Beach Holiday Inn Resort, Leelanau Banquet Rooms, 615 E. Front St.

With the report’s release Nov. 20 on the Pipeline Safety Advisory Board website, a 30-day window opens for online comments about what the State should do regarding the future of Line 5. The Dec. 22 deadline for comments includes two additional days to account for the Thanksgiving state holidays during the comment period. Comments can also be mailed to: Department of Environmental Quality, Attn: Line 5 Alternatives Analysis, P.O. Box 30473, Lansing, MI 48909-7973.

The Michigan Agency for Energy (MAE), Michigan Attorney General’s Office (AG), Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will use the Alternatives Analysis and a pending independent Risk Analysis to ensure the informational basis for any decision about the future of Line 5 is robust and complete.

The State of Michigan in August 2016 commissioned independent contractors to complete an alternatives analysis and risk analysis. The risk analysis was not completed after an apparent conflict of interest was discovered on the study team. Dr. Guy Meadows of Michigan Technological University is in discussions with the State to put together a team of academic experts from colleges and universities to perform a new risk analysis.**

Built in 1953, Line 5 is 645 miles long and transports up to 540,000 barrels a day of light crude oil and natural gas liquids. A 4.5-mile section runs beneath the Straits of Mackinac within an easement issued in 1953 by the State of Michigan.

During the press conference at the the 3rd annual Pipe Out Paddle protest against Line 5 on Sept. 2, 2017, in Mackinaw City, Andrea Pierce, co-organizer of the event, who is a member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and administrator of Idle No More Michigan, announces information available about Michigan House Resolution 51, which calls for the shut down of Line 5, and Michigan Senate Bill 292, which aims to shut down oil pipelines in the Great Lakes. Pictured at right is co-organizer Jannan Cornstalk, also of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. (File photo by Keweenaw Now)***

Pipeline Safety Advisory Board meeting details

The next quarterly meeting of the state’s Pipeline Safety Advisory Board (PSAB) is Dec. 11. The location is the Causeway Bay Lansing Hotel and Convention Center, Ballrooms F-J, 6820 S. Cedar St., Lansing.

The PSAB, created by Executive Order 2015-12, is charged with making recommendations or advising the State on pipeline issues. It also advises state agencies on matters related to pipeline routing, construction, operation, and maintenance, as well as ensuring public transparency. While the PSAB advises the state on matters concerning energy pipelines, it does not have decision-making authority and it does not control the contract administration.

Keep up on PSAB activities by signing up for its listserv. 

Editor's Notes:

* Click here for the draft Alternatives Analysis report by Dynamic Risk Assessment Systems, Inc., issued in July 2017. Click here for the Dynamic Risk presentation given at the July 6, 2017, Public Information Meeting in Lansing. Note that the final report, to be issued on Nov. 20, 2017, may include changes based on public input.

** See our Nov. 5, 2017, article, "UPDATED: State agencies note Enbridge lack of transparency on Line 5 damage; Oil and Water Don't Mix calls for Day of Action Nov. 6 to demand Line 5 shutdown."

*** See our Sept. 16, 2017, article, "3rd annual Pipe Out Paddle protest against Enbridge's Line 5 under Mackinac Straits attracts Native, non-Native water protectors."

Guest article: Line 5 under Mackinac Straits poses dire risk to Great Lakes waters

By Zoe Person*

Zoe Person, the author of this article, is pictured here with her friend Nathan ("Nate") Frischkorn at the Sept. 2, 2017, Pipe Out Paddle Protest in Mackinaw City against Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac. Both are majoring in environmental studies at Northern Michigan University in Marquette. In addition to joining protesters on the beach during the kayak / canoe launch, Nathan and Zoe led a protest march through Mackinaw City that afternoon. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

Line 5 poses a dire risk to the Straits, to the Great Lakes region, to the largest surface freshwater system on earth, to the drinking water for 40 million people, to life -- and it continues to run unabated. It needs to be decommissioned immediately, before it inevitably ruptures and poisons our Great Lakes.

Burdened by the increased pressure of pumping an additional 541,000 barrels of Canadian tar sands crude oil per day, it will leak toxic spills potentially more devastating than those experienced in Kalamazoo. The continued use of this pipeline offers us nothing but the foreseeable and tragic destruction of our water and lives by a completely unaccountable oil and gas industry for the sake of their private profit. It is essential for us to remember that water is alive and we are that water. We can’t live without clean water, breathable air, and a healthy land base. We need to transition to sustainable energy independence.

I’m grateful for the protest organizers and everyone who convened. Participating was inspiring and exciting. I’m definitely glad I went. I listened to some heart-rending stories of resistance, especially from a man who lives next to frack sand mines and from a woman with a basket of fragrant sweet grass who was at Standing Rock. We raised awareness and incited conversation among those we passed while marching in protest, dancing, drumming, and light brigading. The locals were supportive.

Speakers at the press conference shared vital information. Two 20" pipelines designed to last for 50 years were put under the Straits in 1953. Line 5 passed its expiration date 14 years ago. It has introduced invasive species. Huge portions of the protective enamel coating have eroded, exposing bare metal. It's bent and deformed and floating down there in some parts for hundreds of feet without at least 20 percent of the anchors that were supposed to be installed to support it, in violation of the easement. Enbridge has no coherent plan for cleaning the spill. They said they would light the oil on fire. When the spill happens, Mackinac Island will be engulfed within 8 hrs.**

As Lee Sprague said, "I’m against Enbridge pipeline one through infinity. Pipelines they’re thinking about, I’m against."

It was great to hear from such fiery, sincerely caring, and devoted candidates as Dana Nessel.***

Editor's Notes:

* Zoe Person, the author of this article, is a Northern Michigan University student majoring in environmental studies.

** See a recent post by Liz Kirkwood, executive director of FLOW (For Love Of Water), "Ecological disasters do not wait for political elections." Kirkwood points out in her update how the State of Michigan has continued to delay a solution to Line 5 problems. She notes also, "Enbridge has an outstanding permit request to install 22 additional anchors. But the state is in no position to authorize these permits because the anchors themselves have caused the bare metal exposure on the pipeline."

*** See our Sept. 16, 2017, article, "3rd annual Pipe Out Paddle protest against Enbridge's Line 5 under Mackinac Straits attracts Native, non-Native water protectors," which includes photos and videos of the event and the speakers at the press conference.

3rd annual Pipe Out Paddle protest against Enbridge's Line 5 under Mackinac Straits attracts Native, non-Native water protectors

By Michele Bourdieu

During the Sept. 2, 2017, third annual Pipe Out and Paddle protest against Line 5, Enbridge's 64-year-old pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac, Native and non-Native water protectors gather near the Mackinac Bridge with their kayaks and canoes in a tight group to display their banners and sing songs about the water. (Photo © and courtesy Miguel Levy)

MACKINAW CITY -- The third annual Pipe Out and Paddle protest against Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac on Sept. 2, 2017, attracted a large crowd of participants -- Native and non-Native -- many of whom paddled in a flotilla a good distance out on the Straits near the Mackinac Bridge. Jostled by the waters of Lakes Huron and Michigan, they held high their banners saying "Shut Down Line 5" and "Water is Life," attracting the attention of cars crossing the bridge, whose drivers honked in support.

Sharing a double kayak, Miguel and Anita Levy of Chassell paddled with the flotilla and captured some of the action for Keweenaw Now.

Miguel Levy recorded this song sung by water protectors during the kayak protest against Line 5 near the Mackinac Bridge. (Video © and courtesy Miguel Levy)

"The water was rough, but it was exciting," Anita said, noting the big waves as well as the solidarity among the paddlers. "One kayak overturned, but they were rapidly rescued efficiently."

Miguel, who coordinates the Indigenous Peoples' Day Campaign group that sponsors events on indigenous rights at Michigan Tech and in the local community, said he learned a bit of history while the kayaks and canoes gathered together in solidarity out in the Straits.

"One of the elders talked about the history of the Ojibwa people moving to this area," he said. "They were facing the Lakota, and then the women devised the drumming as a way of making peace."

Participating in the drumming and singing during the protest was Martin Reinhardt of Marquette, Northern Michigan University (NMU) professor of Native American Studies. Here he introduces a song to honor an eagle that was wounded and rescued during the day:

During a press conference following the flotilla launch, Martin Reinhardt, NMU professor of Native American Studies, announces the rescue of a wounded eagle and joins the Drum in singing a song to honor the eagle spirit. (Videos by Keweenaw Now unless otherwise indicated.)

Reinhardt told Keweenaw Now he was encouraged to see so many water protectors participating in the Pipe Out Paddle event, as well as Michigan candidates who spoke during a press conference during the event.

"The presence of the young eagle and the round dance were very special and highlighted how the protection of water is so much part of Indigenous traditions," he noted. "It was also good to hear from some of the folks who are including water protection as a central part of their political campaigns for the governor's office or the legislature."

Native drummers and singers were an important part of the event.

Also attending from Marquette were NMU students Nathan Frischkorn and his friend, Zoe Person. Both are majoring in environmental studies, and Nate has a second major in sociology.

Nathan (Nate) Frischkorn, right, and Zoe Person made the trip from Marquette to participate in the Pipe Out Paddle protest near the Mackinac Bridge on Sept. 2. Nate also organized a march through Mackinaw City that afternoon. (Photos by Keweenaw Now unless otherwise indicated)

Frischkorn said he came to the protest because Enbridge's aging Line 5 poses a serious threat to the Great Lakes.

"I came here because the Great Lakes represent 20 percent of the world's fresh surface water, and there is a 64-year-old pipeline running through the middle of our most important natural resource," Frischkorn said. "There are a lot of problems with [Line 5]. It's deformed and missing protective coating. It's just a matter of time before it leaks."

If it leaks the economy of this billion-dollar tourism area will be destroyed, he added.

"Who's going to go to Mackinac Island if there is an oil spill here?" Frischkorn asked. "Also, from a civil rights aspect, these waters are protected by treaties. Tribal fishing rights would be affected if there was a leak. So whether you're looking at it from an environmental, economic or civil rights standpoint, this pipeline makes no sense."

Kayaks, canoes launch flotilla on the Straits

As the kayaks and canoes set out on the Straits from the beach in Michilimackinac State Park in Mackinaw City, supporters on the beach chanted and cheered them on.

Paddlers launch their kayaks and canoes, including large tribal canoes known as jiimans, in a flotilla as the 3rd annual Pipe Out Paddle protest against Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac begins on Sept. 2, 2017. Supporters on the beach chant, "Shut down Line 5!" and "Mni Wiconi!" (Water is Life). (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Mary Pelton Cooper of Marquette, a member of the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition (UPEC) joined June Thaden of Traverse City, a member of Oil and Water Don't Mix, on the beach.

"The Upper Peninsula needs to be more connected to the northern Michigan groups," Cooper said. "The students have helped."

Mary Pelton Cooper of Marquette, left, is pictured here with June Thaden of Traverse City. Both support the activist organization, Oil and Water Don't Mix, which has been calling for the shutdown of Line 5 since 2013.*

As the flotilla of kayaks and canoes moved closer together in solidarity and raised their banners, beach supporters continued their chants.

Shannon Abbott of Grand Rapids is joined by two of the youngest protesters -- Aliazah Paquin, 6, and Isaiah Paquin, 5, of Petoskey -- in chanting on the beach. Anna Fisher of Lansing adds a shaker accompaniment to the chants. Many participants wear blue clothing to show their concern for the water.

Rachel Pressley of Madison, Wis., whose background includes water quality and geology, was visiting family members in the area and joined the protest.

"I'm here to support the shutdown of Line 5," she said. "The infrastructure is incredibly old, and it's not a question of if it fails but when."

Robin Barney Lees of Wabana, left, a member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and Merry Rose of Bliss, Mich., join the water protectors on the beach.

Robin Barney Lees of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa said she was asking for prayers.

"I'm asking people to give prayers to those people that are responsible for taking out this pipeline (Enbridge)," she said. "Our prayers are to guide them because water is life and we can't live without it."

Shirley Johns, left, of the Eastern Band of Cherokee joins Sue Swain of the Traverse City-Petoskey area in displaying signs that express their concerns.

Dallas Goldtooth, a member of the Lower Sioux Nation in Minnesota and one of the Native American leaders at the Standing Rock protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline earlier this year, came from Chicago to join the Pipe Out Paddle event.

Pictured here with Dallas Goldtooth are, from left, Nadine Cook of Indian River, Mich., originally of South Dakota and the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux tribe; Sayokla Williams of Oneida, Wis., a member of the Oneida Nation; and Sayokla's daughter, Yohnyah Williams.

"It's always been clear that Enbridge has no regard for the quality of life of the communities and waters along their pipeline routes," Goldtooth noted. "Line 5 is no different."

Later in the day, Goldtooth spoke during the press conference:

Dallas Goldtooth compares the Pipe Out Paddle event to Standing Rock, noting both are part of a larger movement of people power -- to tell a different story.

Kayaks and canoes return to the beach.

Water protectors enjoy a delicious feast for lunch, provided by tribal organizers and volunteers.

Following the lunch feast, Pipe Out Paddle organizer Jannan Cornstalk, center, of Petoskey, announces a protest march and other activities planned for the afternoon. Cornstalk is a citizen of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

Preceding the press conference, jingle dress dancers from the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians are accompanied by drumming and song.

Speakers at press conference call for shutting down Line 5

Percy Bird, Jr., and Tom Shomin, councilors of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, spoke to the press conference audience about the importance of unity, voting and putting pressure on elected officials to make them aware of the dangers posed by Line 5.

Percy Bird, Jr., reminds members of the audience of the importance of voting for government representatives who care about the water, not those who are allies of destructive companies like Enbridge. Tom Shomin continues the message, noting the importance of speaking out, not keeping silent, about environmental concerns. "Silence kills," he says.

Another "veteran" of the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock, Lee Sprague of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, spoke to the audience about the need for green energy to replace the fossil fuels running through pipelines.

Lee Sprague reminds the audience they must teach younger generations to protect the water. He notes also they must have a plan for green energy in place once the battle against the pipeline is won.

Aaron Payment of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., tribal chair of the Sault Tribe, gave an overview of his involvement in the Line 5 pipeline issue:

Aaron Payment, Sault Tribe chair, speaks about tribal opposition to Line 5 and Enbridge.

Dana Nessel, a prominent Detroit civil rights and criminal law attorney, who is a Democratic candidate for Michigan Attorney General, stated why she is running for that office and why she will call for shutting down Line 5 if elected.

Dana Nessel tells the press conference audience that the number-one priority for the office of attorney general is shutting down Line 5 because of the threats it poses to the environment.**

Another Democratic candidate from Detroit, Bill Cobbs, who is running for Michigan Governor, spoke about his commitment to working for the citizens of Michigan -- and the water, Michigan's future.

Bill Cobbs, Democratic candidate for Michigan Governor, says he will shut down Line 5 if elected.

The organizers of the Pipe Out Paddle event recommended support for Senate Bill 292, legislation that aims to shut down oil pipelines in the Great Lakes, which was introduced by State Senator Rick Jones of the 24th State Senate District, and House Resolution 51, introduced by State Rep. Yousef Rabhi of House District 53. HR 51 calls for ending the 1953 easement and shutting down Line 5.***

Andrea Pierce, one of the organizers of the Pipe Out Paddle event, who is a member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and administrator of Idle No More Michigan, told Keweenaw Now she was very happy the event came together so well.

"I wanted to bring unity -- we are all fighting against the same corporation, Enbridge," Pierce said. "In bringing so many different organizations, people and Tribal Governments together, we will empower ourselves with allies. We need to foster these relationships, support each other and our events. We are Stronger Together!"

During the press conference, Andrea Pierce, an organizer of the Pipe Out Paddle event, announces information available about Michigan House Resolution 51, which calls for the shut down of Line 5, and Michigan Senate Bill 292, which aims to shut down oil pipelines in the Great Lakes. Pictured at right is co-organizer Jannan Cornstalk.

Pierce asks that those who care about the Great Lakes contact their representatives in the Michigan House and have them support House Resolution 51, which calls for the shut down of Line 5, and contact their state senators to support Senate Bill 292.***

"The Michigan Constitution calls for us to protect the Great Lakes, and the current Governor and Attorney General are NOT doing their job!" Pierce added. "We the people must make our Government do their job!"

Editor's Notes:

* Learn about Oil and Water Don't Mix and how you can become involved by visiting their Web site.

**According to the Detroit Free Press, "Nessel, a Democrat, became the first candidate to announce a run to succeed Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, a Midland Republican who can't run for reelection because of term limits. He's widely expected to announce a run for governor." See "Attorney Dana Nessel, known for defense of same-sex marriage, jumps into AG's race."

*** State Senator Rick Jones  and State Rep.Yousef Rabhi also spoke at the press conference; but, unfortunately we missed their talks. However, thanks to Paul DeMain of Indian Country TV, you can view videos of both legislators speaking at the Pipe Out Paddle event:
Click here for Sen. Rick Jones. For the status of SB 292 click here.
Click here for Rep. Yousef Rabhi. For the status of HR 51 click here.