Judge continues restrictions for Line 5 operations, orders Enbridge to provide State with information

From Office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel

Attorneys for the Michigan Attorney General and for Enbridge present arguments concerning Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac to Judge James S. Jamo (top right photo) during a  virtual hearing on June 30 in Ingham County Circuit Court. (Photo courtesy Oil and Water Don't Mix)

LANSING – After a lengthy hearing on Tuesday, June 30, on Attorney General Dana Nessel’s motion for a preliminary injunction related to the recently discovered damage to Line 5 at the Straits of Mackinac, Ingham County Circuit Court ordered continued restrictions on the operation of Line 5 and required Enbridge Energy to promptly and fully disclose all relevant information and data to the State.

"Today’s Court decision allows the State to receive the vital information surrounding this incident that we need to complete an informed analysis of the damage and evaluate the threat this pipeline poses to our environment if left to operate in its current state," Nessel said on July 1. "A breach of the Line 5 pipeline or a similar incident would result in devastating consequences for a wide range of industries and countless Michiganders. The long-term risk this pipeline poses to not only Michigan, but the Great Lakes region, cannot be taken lightly."

Judge James S. Jamo’s July 1 order amends the temporary restraining order (TRO) sought by the Attorney General’s office and issued by the Court on June 25. The new TRO temporarily prohibits Enbridge from operating the east leg of twin pipelines that comprise Line 5 until the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials and Safety Administration (PHMSA) completes its investigation of the matter, and until Enbridge provides the state and PHMSA necessary information, completes any needed repairs and until further order by the court.

Damage to the east leg of Line 5 was reported to State officials June 18, which caused Enbridge to shut down both lines, but it then unilaterally reactivated the west leg on June 20 without alerting the State.

This is one of the photos of damage to an anchor support on the east leg of the Line 5 pipelines, sent by Enbridge to EGLE and DNR. (Photo courtesy Enbridge Energy)

The July 1 court order also allows Enbridge to restart the west leg for the purpose of conducting an In Line Inspection (ILI) of that pipeline, and requires Enbridge to provide the results on the area of interest to the State and the Court within seven days of restarting operations of that line. The order also requires Enbridge to provide all other information requested by the State.

The order sets a deadline for receipt of documents, stating, "Parties must prepare a stipulated list of documents and other materials to be produced, with expected timeframes for production, and a list of documents or other materials requested by the State of Michigan but production of which is objected to by Defendants and the basis for objection, and file it with the Court on or before July 7, 2020, at 1:00 p.m."*

The Court based its decision on the grounds argued by the Attorney General -- the requirements of the 1953 easement mandating that Enbridge at all times exercise the "due care" of a reasonably prudent person for the safety and welfare of all persons and of all public and private property. 

The Court stated that this order would remain in effect until it issues a full opinion and order on the Attorney General’s motion for preliminary injunction, which seeks continued suspension of the pipeline operations until certain conditions are met.

* Click here to view a copy of the Court’s order.

Second annual Menominee canoe trip against Back 40 mine begins; water protectors overcome challenges on Menominee River

By Michele Bourdieu
With photos and videos by Tina Lesperance

Water protectors launch their canoes on July 2, 2020, for the second annual four-day, 48-mile canoe trip down the Menominee River to call attention to the environmenmtal and cultural threats of the Back 40 mining project. (Photo © and courtesy Tina Lesperance)

STEPHENSON, Mich. -- Water protectors from the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and supporters set out from the location of sacred Menominee ancestral burial mounds on the Michigan side of the Menominee River for the second annual  four-day canoe trip to the mouth of the river, where a statue of the Great Bear marks the tribe's place of origin. Despite the challenges of a heavy rain storm and an unfriendly Wisconsin "official," the group safely completed the first all-day leg of their journey.

This ancestral burial mound is one of the Menominee sacred archaeological sites located very near the Menominee River and near the proposed site for the Back 40 mine on the Michigan side of the river. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

"Today is the 1st day of the second annual Menominees on the Menominee!" said Tina Lesperance, a member of the Coalition to Save the Menominee River, on Thursday, July 2, 2020. "This is a 48-mile journey, by canoe, by members of the Menominee Nation to honor the Menominee River and bring awareness to the dangers of a metallic sulfide mining project proposed by Aquila Resources. If constructed the mine would be less than 50 yards from the Menominee River."

Lesperance, known on Facebook as Luna Luiz, has been sharing her videos and photos of the trip with Keweenaw Now. Along with other supporters, she follows the group of canoers and records the trip from the shore as well as bringing them food and other necessities at each overnight stop.

A scenic view of the Menominee River, not far from the proposed Back 40 mine site. (Photo © and courtesy Tina Lesperance)

Mary Hansen, activist member of the Coalition to Save the Menominee River and a friend of the Menominee Tribe, fighting with them to save their River, told Keweenaw Now she will be meeting the group of canoers at their destination, the mouth of the river, where the Great Bear stands proudly.

"They are following the ripples on their river that were left for them by their ancestors," Hansen said. "I'm just so blessed to call them friend."

Setting out from sacred sites: Water Ceremony, canoe launch

Water protectors pause for a photo following their water ceremony in the Menominee River held at dawn on July 2 near the Menominee Tribe's sacred sites, now threatened by the proposed Back 40 sulfide mine -- projected to be an open-pit mine for gold, zinc and other metals. (Photo © and courtesy Tina Lesperance)

Canoe trip participants carry their canoes down to the Menominee River for the first day's launch on July 2. (Photo © and courtesy Tina Lesperance)

"Wolf" is ready for the challenge of an all-day canoe trip on this beautiful river. (Photo © and courtesy Tina Lesperance)

Menominee tribal member Wayne Swett, who was one of three who did the first canoe trip in July 2019 -- the others were Menominee tribal members Dawn Wilber and Jwin Zillier -- prepares to unload his canoe from his vehicle for the first day's launch. Swett, a co-organizer of the event, is also sharing his photos with Keweenaw Now again this year. (Photo © and courtesy Tina Lesperance)

Videographer Tony Corey of Stephenson, Mich., assists Wayne Swett in getting their canoe ready for the launch. Keweenaw Now looks forward to some videos from Corey again this year. (Photo © and courtesy Tina Lesperance)

Co-organizer and Menominee tribal member Dawn Wilber, who also completed the 2019 Menominee canoe trip, proudly displays the flag of the Menominee Tribe, which she will carry on her canoe. (Photo © and courtesy Tina Lesperance)

Menominee leaders speak to fellow water protectors just before they head down the Menominee River to call attention to environmental and cultural treasures threatened by the proposed Back 40 sulfide mine. (Video © and courtesy Tina Lesperance)

Participants set out on the morning of July 2, 2020, for a full day of canoeing on the river. (Video © and courtesy Tina Lesperance)

Two challenges face canoers on Day 1 ...

After making through a heavy, windy rainstorm Thursday afternoon, the canoers stopped at their camping destination at a public boat launch near Bear Point -- on the Wisconsin side of the river. Even though the first group had camped there in 2019 and this year's group had stickers for the county park, an unfriendly, rude county employee woke them up late at night and made them leave. By the time they reached a camp site on the Michigan side they were exhausted.

Tina Lesperance recounts the incident in her video here:

Exhausted canoers finally set up camp late Thursday night at Koss Bridge on the Michigan side of the river. (Video © and courtesy Tina Lesperance)

Keweenaw Now attempted to contact the Marinette (Wis.) County Parks Office several times today but received no reply to our questions.

Editor's Note: Watch for Part 2 of the Menominee canoe trip, coming soon ...

MPSC denies Enbridge Energy's request for relief on Line 5 pipeline project, sets Aug. 24 full hearing process for proposal

LANSING -- The Michigan Public Service Commission, on June 30, denied the relief Enbridge Energy LP sought in its request for a declaratory ruling and also rejected the company’s request for ex parte* approval of plans to relocate the Line 5 pipeline to a tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. The Commission established a full hearing process for the proposal.

Enbridge in April filed an application (Case No. U-20763) requesting siting approval under Act 16 of 1929 to replace and relocate the Line 5 section in the Straits of Mackinac into a new tunnel it would build beneath the lakebed. In the alternative, Enbridge sought a declaratory ruling from the MPSC that the company already has authority from the Commission to build the replacement segment based on the MPSC’s 1953 order that first granted permission for Line 5. The 645-mile interstate pipeline spans both Michigan peninsulas to transport light crude oil and natural gas liquids, including propane used for home heating in Michigan.

In their June 30, 2020, order, the Commission found that, based on Enbridge’s application and comments received from stakeholders, the Line 5 project differs substantially from the pipeline approved in 1953, and therefore the company does not have authority for the project under the 1953 order. Whereas the Commission approved in 1953 dual 20-inch pipelines constructed on the lakebed, Enbridge proposes replacing them with a single 30-inch pipeline housed in a concrete-lined tunnel 60-250 feet beneath the lakebed, involving a new easement and a 99-year lease of public trust property.

The order states that Enbridge is required to file an Act 16 application, pursuant to Rule 447(1)(c) and Commission precedent, to obtain Commission approval to construct the Line 5 project through a contested case. The Commission found that the Line 5 project involves important factual, policy and legal issues best resolved through a proceeding that includes discovery, comprehensive testimony and evidence to provide a robust record. The Commission observed that this proposal is a matter of significant public interest best addressed through a contested case.

The Commission in April put Enbridge’s application on hold while it considered the issue of a declaratory ruling and established a public comment period during which it sought public input specifically on any legal analysis of issues pertaining to Enbridge’s request for a declaratory ruling. A number of stakeholders filed comments opposing Enbridge’s request, including the Office of Attorney General Dana Nessel, more than a dozen Indian Tribes, a number of Michigan-based and national environmental organizations, and State Sen. Jeff Irwin. The Commission also received thousands of  comments from Michigan residents, both in support of and in opposition to the tunnel project, many discussing the merits of Line 5 rather than focusing on the legal issues surrounding Enbridge’s request for a declaratory ruling.**

Following the June 30 order, a notice of hearing will be issued with information on the scheduling of a prehearing conference and deadline for parties seeking to intervene in the formal contested case proceeding.   

Opportunities to monitor and participate in MPSC’s Line 5 proceedings  

The MPSC is scheduling a public hearing on Aug. 24 to provide an overview of the MPSC process and Enbridge’s application and for commissioners to hear directly from the public. The hearing will be held remotely with telephone and web access options. Additional details will be provided in the coming weeks. 

The MPSC launched a dedicated webpage, www.michigan.gov/MPSCLine5, to enable the public to monitor Enbridge’s siting application and related requests. Background resources on the MPSC’s siting authority under Act 16 and opportunities for the public to participate are available.  Individuals can sign up for e-mail updates on MPSC meeting notices, orders, press releases, public meetings, or other developments specifically related to the Line 5 proceeding before the Commission.  Instructions are also available for individuals seeking to sign up to be notified of all formal case filings through the MPSC’s e-dockets system. Additional information will be posted on the website as it becomes available.

To watch recordings of the MPSC’s meetings, including the June 30, 2020 meeting, click here.

To view the MPSC's June 30 order, click here.

For information about the MPSC, visit www.Michigan.gov/MPSC, sign up for one of its listservs, or follow the Commission on Twitter.

Editor's Notes:

* ex parte = from or on one side only of a dispute, as a divorce suit; without notice to or the presence of the other party. (From dictionary.com)

** See our May 8, 2020, article, "Michigan Public Service Commission seeks public comment on Enbridge Line 5 - tunnel request by May 13."

Public Health Advisory: Potentially toxic algal bloom in Portage Lake, Portage Canal and Torch Lake -- Houghton County; beach monitoring for E. coli continues

HANCOCK -- The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD), working in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), is issuing a Cyanobacteria harmful algal bloom (HAB) recreational public health advisory for Portage Lake, Portage Canal, and Torch Lake in Houghton County. People and pets should avoid direct body contact and avoid swallowing water in areas where these HABs are present.

HABs look like spilled paint, pea soup, floating scum, mats, green sheens, clumps, or streaks. Swimming, wading and water activities that create spray are not recommended in the areas where this is visible present. Do not let dogs drink affected water. Monitor children and pets closely to ensure they do not eat or play with algae on the shoreline. If people and dogs enter the affected water, rinse them off and monitor for illness.

The algal bloom will be tested for Anatoxin-a; this is one of the algal toxins that HABs can produce. These toxins can make people and animals sick when swallowed or breathed in, or may cause skin irritations such rashes and hives. Dogs are especially at risk of developing health effects. This toxin has been associated with dog deaths in other lakes. The testing results will not be available until after the Fourth of July weekend.

If people may have had contact with or swallowed affected water and feel sick, they should consult with their doctor or Poison Control at 800-222-1222. If symptoms are severe, people should get emergency medical attention. If animals become sick after contact with lake water, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Click here for details on symptoms.

More information on harmful algal blooms can be found at www.michigan.gov/habs.

Local beach monitoring by WUPHD, KBIC

The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) are conducting a bathing beach monitoring program of public beaches. This swimming season will be the 14th consecutive year WUPHD will be monitoring selected public beaches.

"KBIC is excited to continue working alongside Western UP Health Department in protecting our waters. This will be our third year monitoring the local beaches, and feel that it’s important to continue providing this service to the public," stated Stephanie Cree, Water Resources Specialist with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Natural Resources Department.

Monitoring consists of weekly water sampling and testing for E. coli, posting results on the State’s BeachGuard website, and posting closings or advisories at beaches with elevated E. coli results. Testing beaches during the swimming season is important to make sure the public is informed of high E. coli levels that pose a greater risk of illness.

Surface waters contaminated with elevated levels of E. coli bacteria can result in illness symptoms including nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, headache and fever. Other illnesses associated with swimming in contaminated waters include ear, eye, nose and throat infections, and skin rashes and skin infections.

"Beaches that are open to the public for swimming but not part of a monitoring program are being asked by the health department to either implement a water sampling program that meets the State standards or post notices at the beaches to inform the public whether or not the water has been tested for E. coli bacteria," stated Tanya Rule, Environmental Health Director of the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department.

Public beaches which are not being monitored for E. coli are required to post a sign stating they are not being monitored.

The COVID-19 pandemic has added another concern while at the beach this summer. Stay home if you are feel ill or experiencing any of the following symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, fever, sore throat, headache, or muscle aches. Protect yourself and family by practicing social distancing; keeping at least 6 feet away from people not in your household. Wear a face covering while indoors at public spaces. Use hand sanitizer after contact with high-touch surfaces.

Weekly beach inspections and water quality monitoring is being conducted by the Health Department and Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Natural Resource Department at the following Western U.P. public beaches and the test results may be viewed on the state beach website:
Baraga County: The Alligator, First Sand’s Beach, Head of the Bay, L’Anse Waterfront Park, Ojibwa Campground Beach, Sandpoint Beach North, Sandpoint Beach South, Zeba Boat Launch
Gogebic County: Gogebic County Beach on Lake Gogebic, Lake Gogebic State Park, Sunday Lake Campground and Beach
Houghton County: Agate Beach, Calumet Waterworks Beach, Chassell Beach, Dollar Bay Beach, Hancock City Park Beach, Houghton City Beach, McLain State Park, Twin Lakes State Park
Keweenaw County: Eagle Harbor Beach, Eagle River Beach, Lake Fanny Hooe Campground
Ontonagon County: Bergland Township Beach on Lake Gogebic , Bond Falls Beach, Ontonagon County Park on Lake Gogebic, Ontonagon Township Park, Porcupine Mountain State Park.

Click here for more details on beach monitoring.

Democrat Janet Metsa announces campaign for 110th District State Representative; fundraiser to be June 29 in Calumet

Pictured here at work, play and community involvement, Janet Metsa seeks election as a Democratic candidate for Michigan's 110th State House District. (Photos courtesy friendsofjanetmetsa.com)

HOUGHTON COUNTY -- Local businesswoman and longtime Houghton County resident Janet Metsa recently announced her campaign for State Representative for the 110th State House District covering Keweenaw, Baraga, Houghton, Iron, Ontonagon, and Gogebic counties, plus Ishpeming and Powell townships in Marquette County.

Studying the 110th District on a map of Michigan, Janet Metsa and her aide Elo Wittig of Chassell work on developing a campaign plan. (Photo courtesy Friends of Janet Metsa)

"The Western UP is a unique place, far from Lansing," Metsa says. "I have deep family roots in the UP and understand the values we prize most. Our next state representative needs to understand our issues, and to be able to effectively communicate our needs to the state legislature. I believe my background and experience qualifies me to do that and to be a strong representative for the 110th District."

Janet Metsa is pictured here receiving the Andrew H. Wisti Award for leadership in the Houghton County Democratic Party from Ruth Wisti, active Democrat and Andrew's widow. (Photo courtesy Friends of Janet Metsa)

Metsa was born and raised in Houghton County with her 4 sisters and 1 brother on the farm her grandparents established during the Finnish migration in the early 1900s. Her parents operated a dairy farm in Chassell Township on the properties from both sets of grandparents for over 50 years. She graduated from Chassell Township Schools and then attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where she received a B.S and M.S. in Chemical Engineering in 1980.

She was employed at Eastman Kodak as a Development Engineer for 3 years and then at EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) as an Environmental Engineer in Durham NC until 1988. She returned to the Copper Country when her husband, Michael Mullins, accepted a faculty position at Michigan Technological University.

Janet Metsa is pictured here with her buddy Alphonzo (Alfie) in front of the barn her grandfather built. Photo © and courtesy Elo Wittig.

"Growing up on a Chassell dairy farm, and as a current landowner, I understand the need for wise management of our land and water resources," Metsa notes. "Forest products, minerals, and farm products have long been the financial base for the UP, and their sustainable use is essential for our economic future. Wise use of our natural resources should be balanced with maintaining the natural beauty and ecology of the western UP which attracts large numbers of visitors seeking an incomparable outdoors experience. We should ensure that our children and grandchildren can enjoy this same legacy."

This photo captures Janet Metsa describing how she and her husband planted blight-resistant chestnut trees on a property they own in Chassell Township. (Photo © and courtesy Elo Wittig)

Metsa is running as a Democrat focused on bringing new jobs and businesses to the area.

"As a business entrepreneur and former KEDA (Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance) Board member, Janet has been an important force in building the Western UP economy," said Philip Musser, former KEDA Executive Director and Smartzone Chairperson. "Janet not only started her own business but was also a key person on the KEDA board in designing and carrying out an aggressive economic development strategy for the Western UP at a time when businesses had closed and jobs had been lost. This is again a critical time when the Western UP needs to continue to reinvent its economy to create family sustaining jobs as it emerges from the pandemic. The Western UP region needs economic savvy leaders like Janet."

Once settled in the Copper Country, Metsa established a private consulting practice specializing in air and water environmental issues. Her clients include the EPA, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), the American Chemical Council, private clients, and Argonne National Laboratories. Much of her consulting work focuses on database and model development combined with software development and review. These tools are used in assessing process sustainability and environmental impacts. She has had consulting collaborations with researchers from several universities and private industry.

In her campaign announcement, Metsa said, "Initiatives I would bring to Lansing include economic development, renewed infrastructure, ensuring public health, lower energy prices, and more autonomy for the UP on strategic issues of local importance. However, I believe the next two years will be consumed with economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Services such as education, public health, revenue sharing, pensions, and law enforcement will be under extreme budgetary pressures; and this district needs someone to make sure the UP gets their fair share of diminished state resources."

In 2005, Metsa established Vesitech, Inc. to explore the development and commercialization of water treatment technologies. She has been the recipient of several Phase I and Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grants.  Vesitech, Inc completed SBIR grants for Army Corps of Engineers (which resulted in a US Patent), the US Marine Corps (2), and NASA. For commercialization of the technologies developed, she collaborated with Cascade Designs, Inc. of Seattle, WA, a major supplier of outdoor gear for campers and the military.

Metsa's community service includes time as Treasurer of the Houghton County Democratic Party, Chair of the Houghton County Democratic Party, Portage Township Zoning Board of Appeals, Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) Board member and Chair, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Council and Lutheran Campus Ministry Board and Chair. She is a 2002 alumni of the MSU/ISSPR Michigan Political Leadership program.

Fundraiser for Janet Metsa Monday, June 29, at Carmelita's

Friends of Janet Metsa will hold a fundraiser event for her campaign from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, June 29, at Carmelita's Outdoor Patio, 618 Oak Street, Calumet. The fundraiser is being held outside as a precaution during this time of Social Distancing. Masks are recommended.

Tickets are $25, Sponsor $50 and Host $100. Tickets may be purchased through ActBlue or at the event.  No Cash. No Corporate Checks. Personal checks accepted. Please RSVP to info@friendsofjanetmetsa.com. Limited cash bar available.

Learn more about Janet Metsa and her campaign for the 110th District at friendsofjanetmetsa.com or on the Friends of Janet Metsa Facebook page.

UPDATED: Judge orders Enbridge to cease Line 5 operations following recent damage

By Michele Bourdieu

This figure from the Executive Summary of the 2018 "Independent Risk Analysis for the Straits Pipelines - Final Report," by researchers from Michigan Technological University and several other universities, shows their evaluation of risks to natural resources in and surrounding Mackinac Straits in the event of a 10-day worst-case spill from a Line 5 pipeline rupture. At the time of their research, they estimated that 201 - 552 miles of shoreline in Lake Michigan and 269 - 668 miles of shoreline in Lake Huron are at risk of oiling following such a spill from Line 5. Nearly all this reach of shoreline would require cleanup and remediation. Click on image for larger version. (Image courtesy Michigan Technological University)

[Editor's Note: See UPDATE  below on Enbridge reports to the State. We received notice of this after our first posting of this article.]

LANSING -- Ingham County Circuit Court Judge James S. Jamo today, June 25, granted Attorney General Dana Nessel’s motion for a temporary restraining order requiring Enbridge Energy to cease all transport operations of its Line 5, twin pipelines which carry crude oil and liquid natural gas in the Straits of Mackinac, and disclose information in its possession related to the recent damage caused to the pipeline’s eastern segment.

The Michigan Department of Attorney General filed motions for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction Monday after Enbridge’s disclosure late last week of significant damage to an anchor support on the east leg of the Line 5 pipelines. The motions were filed in the parties’ ongoing case, Nessel v. Enbridge Energy LP, et al., Case No. 19-474, currently pending in Ingham County Circuit Court.*

In a six-page order, the Court granted the Attorney General’s request and ordered that the east line of the pipeline remain shut down and that the west line, which is currently operating, be shut down as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours of receipt of the Court’s order. Both lines are to remain closed until the hearing on the Attorney General’s motion for preliminary injunction is held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30.

"Enbridge has failed to provide the State with information about the cause of this significant development involving Line 5, and so I’m very grateful for the Court’s decision today," Nessel said. "While the fact that Enbridge reactivated one of the lines before consulting with the State is concerning, the fact that the company has failed to disclose the cause of this damage is equally alarming, considering the impact a breach in the pipeline could have to our state residents and economy. With the continued operation of this pipeline, the risk of severe and lasting environmental damage to Michigan’s most important natural resource continues to grow every day. However, this ruling, while significant, is only a short-term fix. If the lines are put back into operation, one mismanaged incident or accident would result in a historic catastrophe for our state. Work must continue toward complete removal of Line 5 from our waters."

In granting the temporary restraining order, the Court noted that the 1953 Easement Agreement between the State of Michigan and Enbridge required Enbridge to exercise due care and operate the pipelines as a reasonably prudent person would.

Environmental coalition: Gov. Whitmer needs to revoke 1953 Enbridge easement

Oil and Water Don't Mix, a coalition of groups, tribes and concerned citizens opposed to Line 5, said today that this temporary restraining order requires an urgent response from Gov. Whitmer.

"Today’s decision by Ingham Circuit Court Judge James Jamo giving Enbridge 24 hours to halt transporting oil through Enbridge’s damaged Line 5 pipelines is a clear victory for the Great Lakes and should be followed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer taking action to revoke Enbridge’s 1953 easement agreement with the state," stated Sean McBrearty, Oil and Water Don’t Mix campaign coordinator.

"Revoking the easement has always been the right move to protect the Great Lakes from the urgent and immediate threat from Line 5, but the judge’s order specifically cites violations of the 1953 easement and agreements they made with the state in his decision," Mc Brearty added. "Jamo cites potential 'irreparable harm' to the Great Lakes from Line 5. Clearly, there is urgency for Gov. Whitmer to take appropriate steps to revoke the easement and decommission Line 5. The judge’s conclusions on the facts and the law are a testament to Attorney General Nessel’s concerns that Enbridge is failing to exercise due care in its operation of the 67-year-old pipeline. Gov. Whitmer must act to ensure that the threat of Line 5 to the Great Lakes and Michigan’s economy ends and ends now."**

Additionally, the Court noted that a 2018 agreement between the State of Michigan and Enbridge required Enbridge to share the information related to the recent damage to the pipelines, which Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had requested.

Today, Governor Whitmer’s office released the following statement from Press Secretary Tiffany Brown on Judge Jamo's decision to grant Attorney General Dana Nessel’s motion for a temporary restraining order requiring Enbridge Energy to cease all transport operations of its Line 5: "Governor Whitmer applauds the court’s decision to issue a temporary restraining order to shut down Line 5 immediately, following severe damage to an anchor support. Enbridge’s decision to continue pumping crude oil through the Straits of Mackinac with so many unanswered questions was reckless and unacceptable. Enbridge owes a duty to the people of Michigan and must answer to the state for how it treats our Great Lakes. The governor will continue working to keep our water safe."

In issuing the temporary restraining order, the Court noted that Enbridge’s "failure to provide sufficient documentation to the State of Michigan related to the nature, extent, and cause(s) of the newly-discovered damage to Line 5 and its supporting infrastructure has resulted in the State’s inability to review or assess any risk of harm arising from the identified damage."

The Court further noted that "the risk of harm to the Great Lakes and various communities and business that rely on the Great Lakes would not only be substantial but also in some respects irreparable."

2018 report led by Michigan Technological University analyzes "worst-case" scenario of a potential Line 5 rupture

The 2018 "Independent Risk Analysis for the Straits Pipelines - final report" by researchers from Michigan Technological University and other universities discussed what would happen if there was a catastrophic pipeline failure: where the oils would go, what would happen to them, and what the ultimate costs to the environment and the taxpayer would be.

"As a result of that, we understand the hydrodynamics and fate and transport issues throughout the Straits region," said Guy Meadows, director of the Michigan Technological University Marine Engineering Laboratory and Robbins Professor of Sustainable Marine Engineering. "We're continuing to work to make the Straits as safe as possible while the public debate goes on about the pipeline."***

Michigan Tech currently operates one buoy in the Straits, and is in the process of adding a second buoy, which could help provide more complete and reliable wave and current measurements. Both the current and future buoy are funded by Enbridge.

"Additionally, we're working on setting up operational high-frequency radar in the Straits that will provide 24/7/365 observations of the Straits once an hour throughout the year. The radar is funded by NOAA through GLOS. All of these efforts are combined to make the Straits as safe as possible," Meadows said.****

Enbridge fails to report cause of pipeline damage

Enbridge reported the pipeline damage to State officials on Thursday, June 18, and shut down both east and west legs of Line 5 to inspect the damage. The company failed to immediately provide the State with information surrounding the incident -- including the cause of the damage -- as requested by Gov. Whitmer in a letter sent Friday, June 19.

Enbridge then unilaterally reactivated the west leg of the pipeline Saturday, June 20, without first providing the State with an opportunity to discuss it.

Gov. Whitmer then sent another letter to Enbridge requesting that the pipeline be shut down immediately until the incident could be investigated and preventive measures put in place.

The company provided a brief summary of the damage to the State Monday, but left several critical questions unanswered -- including the cause of the damage.

Inset photos: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Governor Gretchen Whitmer. (Photos courtesy michigan.gov)

UPDATE: DNR, EGLE release Enbridge documents on recent damage to Line 5

This is one of the photos of damage to an anchor support on the east leg of the Line 5 pipelines, sent by Enbridge to EGLE and DNR. (Photo courtesy Enbridge Energy)

On June 25, directors Dan Eichinger of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Liesl Clark of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) released engineering reports and photographs received from Enbridge Inc. regarding the recently discovered damage to the Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac.

The reports, which are available online, were requested of Enbridge by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Also requested but not yet received from Enbridge: Information about the potential causes of the damage and steps Enbridge may undertake to protect the pipeline from potential future damage. 

Click here for the reports and photos depicting damage to anchor support EP-17-1 on the east leg of the Line 5 pipeline within the Straits of Mackinac.

Editor's Notes:

* See: "AG Nessel files motions after Enbridge discloses damage to Line 5 pipeline." 

** Click here to join Oil and Water Don't Mix in emailing Gov. Whitmer to call for a shutdown now, and start a process to revoke the Line 5 easement.

*** Click here for links to the "Independent Risk Analysis for the Straits Pipelines - Final Report," as well as its Executive Summary and Appendices.

Click here for the August 13, 2018, presentation on the report.

See the 2018 Michigan Tech article, "Navigating Risk," by Stefanie Sidortsova, for background on this report.

**** See also the Michigan Tech News article "Deploying High-frequency Radar in the Straits of Mackinac," by Kelley Christensen, and her recent article in Michigan Tech's 2020 Research Magazine, "Radar and Risk in the Straits of Mackinac."

AG Nessel files motions after Enbridge discloses damage to Line 5 pipeline

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. (Photo courtesy michigan.gov)

LANSING -- Today, June 22, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed motions for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction related to Enbridge’s disclosure late last week of significant damage to an anchor support on the east leg of the Line 5 oil pipeline. Line 5 lies open on the floor of the Straits of Mackinac pumping nearly 23 million gallons of oil each day through two aging pipelines in the heart of the Great Lakes. The motions were filed in the parties’ ongoing case, Nessel v Enbridge Energy LP, et al., Case No. 19-474, currently pending before the Honorable James S. Jamo, in the Ingham County Circuit Court.

Enbridge reported the damage on Thursday, June 18, shutting down both the east and west legs for inspection. In a June 19th letter, Governor Whitmer asked Enbridge to provide the State with all of the information in its possession about the damage, including pictures, video, and engineering reports. The Governor requested that all digital information be provided within 24 hours of her request.*

Enbridge not only failed to provide the requested information but on June 20, 2020, the company unilaterally reactivated the west leg of the pipeline without even providing the State with an opportunity to first discuss it.  

In response, Governor Whitmer sent another letter to Enbridge requesting that it immediately shut down the pipeline until the matter could be investigated, assessed and preventive measures put in place. The Governor also requested a full report from Enbridge as to the cause of the damage and the measures Enbridge would put in place to prevent the harm from happening in the future. Once the state, or a third party selected by the state, has reviewed the information, the Governor advised Enbridge a discussion would occur as to when normal operations could resume.**

Enbridge didn’t provide any information on the damage until earlier today, when it sent brief reports on the east and west legs of the pipeline. Only a few pages long, the reports contained little content, few pictures, and left several critical questions unanswered, including the cause of the damage.

"It is evident by the pictures we’ve seen that there has been significant damage to an anchor support on the east leg of the pipeline. To date, Enbridge has provided no explanation of what caused this damage and a woefully insufficient explanation of the current condition and safety of the pipeline as a result of this damage," Attorney General Dana Nessel said. "We cannot rely on Enbridge to act in the best interests of the people of this State so I am compelled to ask the Court to order them to."

In her motion, the Attorney General asks the Court to order Enbridge to provide all of the information in its possession related to the nature, extent and causes of the newly-discovered damage to Line 5. She also requests that the Court order that operations of the pipeline be suspended until the State of Michigan has conducted a full review of the information provided with the assistance of independent experts. 

"The State deserves to see all of the information in Enbridge’s possession about this significant incident and to independently verify the accuracy and reliability of the information provided," Nessel said. "I will continue to use all the resources at my disposal to protect Michiganders from companies with an incentive to prioritize their own profits over the safety and well-being of our residents."

Governor Gretchen Whitmer released this statement today, June 22, following Attorney General Nessel actions against Enbridge: "I fully support Attorney General’s action today on Line 5. Enbridge resumed operation of the pipeline through the Straits of Mackinac without any explanation of the cause for the damage to the pipeline structure or plan to prevent it from happening again. Moreover, Enbridge has not timely complied with the state’s request for full and complete information and resumed operation without even consultation.  This brazen disregard for the people of Michigan and the safety and well-being of our Great Lakes is unacceptable." 

The filed documents are available at the following links:     

Motion for temporary restraining order.

Brief in support of motion for temporary restraining order.

Motion for preliminary injunction.

Brief in support of motion for preliminary injunction with exhibits.

Inset photo: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. (Photo courtesy michigan.gov)

Editor's Notes:

* See: "Governor Whitmer sends letter to Enbridge following newly discovered damage to Line 5; groups call for action."

** See: "Governor Whitmer calls for Enbridge dual Line 5 pipelines to shut down immediately until review, preventative measures in place."

Governor Whitmer calls for Enbridge dual Line 5 pipelines to shut down immediately until review, preventative measures in place

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. (Photo courtesy michigan.gov)

LANSING -- Governor Gretchen Whitmer, on June 20, sent a second letter to Al Monaco, CEO of Enbridge, requesting that Enbridge immediately shut down the dual pipelines running through the Straits of Mackinac until damage is investigated, assessed and preventative measures are put in place.

"Given the gravity of this matter, I was taken aback to learn the company has unilaterally resumed operation of the west leg without even opportunity for discussion," said Governor Whitmer. "At this moment, Enbridge is pumping crude through the Great Lakes on state-owned bottomlands without any explanation for the cause of this damage to the pipeline structure and no assurance that Enbridge has taken sufficient steps to mitigate future harm. This disregard for the safety and well-being of our Great Lakes, and Enbridge’s due care obligations under the 1953 Easement, is unacceptable."
 

According to Oil and Water Don't Mix, Enbridge's questionable track record on pipeline safety includes damage from a 2018 anchor strike denting and gouging Line 5 under the Straits. No warnings were triggered. Three weeks passed before underwater vehicles contracted by Enbridge could safely navigate the turbulent Straits to check the damage. (Photo courtesy Oil and Water Don't Mix)

In addition to the governor’s prior information request, she also asked Enbridge to provide a full report as to the cause of this damage and what measures Enbridge will put in place to prevent this harm from happening again. Once the state, or a third-party selected by the state, has reviewed this information, the state and Enbridge can discuss when normal operations may resume.

On Thursday, June 18, Enbridge alerted the State of Michigan an anchor support on one of the dual pipelines running along the bottomlands of the Straits of Mackinac had incurred significant damage. This support lies approximately 150 feet from a section of the pipeline where damage to the pipeline coating was discovered on or around May 26, 2020.

After discovering the damaged anchor support, Enbridge shut down the pipeline and is gathering more information through divers, the use of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and other means. The east leg of the pipeline remains shut down as Enbridge continues to gather more information.*

"One close call with Line 5 is one too many, which is why I am calling on Enbridge to proceed with the utmost caution and care. At this point in time, Enbridge has provided no reason to think this damage could not happen again, but next time with oil gushing into the Great Lakes," Governor Whitmer said.

Click here to view the Governor's June 20, 2020, letter.

* Editor's Note: See our June 19 article, "Governor Whitmer sends letter to Enbridge following newly discovered damage to Line 5; groups call for action."

Governor Whitmer sends letter to Enbridge following newly discovered damage to Line 5; groups call for action

The Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac. (File photo courtesy National Wildlife Federation)

LANSING -- Governor Gretchen Whitmer today, June 19, sent a letter to Al Monaco, CEO of Enbridge, following the discovery this week of further damage to the Line 5 pipeline running through the Straits of Mackinac.

"The information I have received about this incident leaves many unanswered questions as to the cause of this damage, the catastrophe that may have been narrowly avoided, and the threats that may remain as a result of the damaged infrastructure," Governor Whitmer said. "That’s why I am requesting Enbridge turn over to the State of Michigan all relevant information about this most recent damage and provide affirmative evidence that establishes the integrity of the pipeline."

On Thursday, Enbridge alerted the State of Michigan an anchor support on one of the dual pipelines running along the bottomlands of the Straits of Mackinac had incurred significant damage. This support lies approximately 150 feet from a section of the pipeline where damage to the pipeline coating was discovered on or around May 26, 2020.

After discovering the damaged anchor support, Enbridge shut down the pipeline and is gathering more information through divers, the use of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and other means. The pipeline remains shut down as Enbridge continues to gather more information. 

"One close call with Line 5 is one too many, which is why I am calling on Enbridge to proceed with the utmost caution and care," Governor Whitmer said.  

"As Governor of the Great Lakes State I carry an immense burden to protect this priceless treasure that defines the contours of our state and our way of life," Governor Whitmer wrote. "I anticipate and expect your full cooperation."

To view the governor’s letter, click here.

AG Nessel to continue litigation against Line 5

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following statement after Enbridge notified state officials of damage that recently occurred to its Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac:

"I was deeply troubled to learn of this most recent disclosure by Enbridge of yet another incident involving Line 5, this time resulting in considerable damage to an anchor support on the pipeline. Yet again, Enbridge has confirmed what we already know -- Line 5 is a clear and present danger to our Great Lakes and to the millions of Michiganders who rely on those lakes for recreation, business and tourism. We anxiously await the immediate production of information from Enbridge in response to Governor Whitmer’s request so that we can evaluate what, if any, additional action my Department may need to take. In any event, this underscores why we will continue to vigorously pursue our lawsuit seeking to shut down the Straits pipelines."

Oil and Water Don't Mix: Line 5 threat calls for strong action

Oil and Water Don't Mix -- an environmental coalition of organizations, tribes, businesses and concerned citizens calling for the shutdown of Line 5 -- has called on Gov. Whitmer to take strong action against Enbridge.

"A 67-year-old pipeline has no business operating in the Great Lakes. In late May more coating damage to Line 5 was discovered, today we find out that the pipeline has been damaged again and this time it was bad enough for Enbridge to shut down the pipeline, which they didn’t even bother to do in 2018 when an anchor struck Line 5. We don’t even know what Enbridge knew and when in relation to the new damage. Enough is enough," said Sean McBrearty, Oil and Water Don’t Mix coalition coordinator. "No talking points from Enbridge about the safety of Line 5 can overcome the facts. The fact is that Line 5 is a dangerous threat to the Great Lakes, which provides drinking water to 40 million Americans and Canadians. Gov. Whitmer needs to take strong action to eliminate this threat."

According to Oil and Water Don't Mix, Enbridge’s claims about Line 5 pipeline safety were put to the test when an anchor was deployed in the Straits of Mackinac in April 2018, denting and gouging Line 5. Enbridge’s technology failed that test when, despite the damage to Line 5, no warnings were triggered. Three weeks passed before underwater vehicles contracted by Enbridge could safely navigate the turbulent Straits to put eyes on the damage.*

* Editor's Note: Oil and Water Don't Mix lists several examples of Enbridge's questionable track record with Line 5. Click here for more details.

AG Nessel celebrates Supreme Court decision to protect "Dreamers" program (DACA)

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. (Photo courtesy michigan.gov)

LANSING -- Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a statement on Thursday, June 18, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to block the Trump administration’s attempt to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Without this ruling, the federal government would have put 669,000 undocumented young people who came to the U.S. as children at risk for deportation. 

"I am delighted by the Supreme Court’s decision to block the Trump administration from ending DACA. The effort to end these protections is unconscionable and cruel," Nessel said. "This is an important victory for the thousands of Dreamers who call Michigan home. For now, they can breathe a little easier without the threat of deportation from the only life they know, which is a life in America. I encourage Congress, however, to take on this fight and ensure that Dreamers across this nation ultimately have a clear path to citizenship."

The DACA program allows recipients -- better known as Dreamers -- to go to work or school and live without fear of deportation while pursuing their dreams. Dreamers are often students and teachers, military service members, law enforcement officers, firefighters, health care workers, and child and elder care workers contributing to the economy and communities across the nation.

Michigan is home to approximately 13,000 residents eligible for deferred action under the DACA program and these state residents paid more than $23 million in state and local taxes, according to a September 2019 report from the Center for American Progress. In an effort to protect them, Nessel joined several states in filing a brief in the lawsuit against the federal government’s unlawful rescission of DACA in October.

Click here for a copy of the June 18, 2020, decision.

UPDATED: L'Anse Village community solar benefits from EGLE's award-winning Low to Moderate Income solar program

By Michele Bourdieu
With information from EGLE (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy)

Community solar array for the Village of L'Anse. (Photo © and courtesy Brett Niemi)

LANSING, L'ANSE --The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Michigan Solar Communities ­-- Low to Moderate Income Access Program has been named one of this year’s State Leadership in Clean Energy award winners by the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA). The Village of L'Anse in the Upper Peninsula is one of two Michigan utilities that benefit from this winning program. The other is Cherryland Electric Cooperative near Traverse City.

The EGLE program, led by Clean Energy Engineer Lisa Thomas, aims to reduce roadblocks for low-to-moderate-income Michigan homeowners so they can access alternative energy and save money on their energy bills. It provides information on technical assistance and programs to obtain community solar power as well as energy efficiency upgrades.

Insert photo: EGLE's Clean Energy Engineer Lisa Thomas, who spearheaded the Michigan Solar Communities -- Low to Moderate Income Access Program that encourages the use of solar energy to reduce utility bills. (Photo courtesy EGLE)

"Offering alternatives to low- and moderate-income utility customers results in greater energy equity and broader public support for clean energy," EGLE Director Liesl Clark said. "Families participating in the program save money by having less burdensome utility costs. This program is an important step in the just transition to a clean energy future."

The Low to Moderate Income Access program, which launched in 2018, allows customers of these two utilities to purchase shares or panels in a community solar array and receive credits on their monthly bills. Cherryland installed 450 solar panels that produce two megawatts of power shared by 50 subscribers. The Village of L’Anse installed 340 solar panels that produce 110 kilowatts of power; 250 of those panels were set aside for 25 income-qualified subscribers. Both arrays received partial funding through grants from EGLE’s Energy Services.*

Brett Niemi, Energy Services representative for WPPI Energy, a non-profit wholesale energy provider that sells power to the Village of L'Anse, served as project manager for the L'Anse solar project, which now has a total of 340 panels, including the panels for the 25 income-qualified subscribers, who subscribe to 10 panels each and receive credit for the power those produce for 25 years. The additional panels allow other residents of the village to purchase panels at $385 per panel and receive credit for the power they produce for 25 years.

"A lot of people don't have a good spot to put solar panels on their house or property, so this gives them the opportunity to use renewable energy," Niemi said.

The Village of L'Anse solar array, pictured here this past winter, now has a total of 340 panels. (Photo © and courtesy Brett Niemi)

WPPI has purchased the energy from the solar panels through a contract with the Village of L'Anse, and the Village passes that money on to the people that subscribe to the solar panels.

"I help them (the Village of L'Anse) operate a professional utility," Niemi explained. "All the panels are sold out now. That was one of our goals."

The other two goals, he said, were a positive financial outcome for the subscribers and a net zero financial impact for the Village of L'Anse electric utility.

Pictured here at the Sept. 12, 2019, ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of the Village of L'Anse solar array are, from left, L’Anse Village President Ron Ervast, WPPI Energy Board President Jeff Feldt, L’Anse Village Manager Bob La Fave, L’Anse Village Trustee Kerri Sikkala, L’Anse Village Trustee Chris Miller, L’Anse Village Trustee James Hulkonen, and L’Anse Village President Pro-tem Leann Davis. The Community solar array was energized on October 22, 2019. (Photo © and courtesy Brett Niemi)

Niemi said he worked with Richelle Winkler, Michigan Tech professor of sociology and demography, and WUPPDR (Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region) to do a feasibility study for the project and determine if there was enough interest for people to subscribe.

In his application for the Clean Energy award, Niemi wrote, "The research incorporated qualitative interviews with community leaders, community focus groups, and a survey to evaluate community members’ knowledge of solar photovoltaics as well as their interest in and ability to participate in a community solar program." 

Winkler reported on the L'Anse solar project during her August 5, 2019, presentation, "UP Demographics and Implication for Energy" to members of the UP Energy Task Force during their meeting in St. Ignace. The solar array was still under construction at that time. From surveys she took in the L'Anse community, Winkler noted a high percentage of community support for the solar project.**

Jay Meldrum, director of Michigan Tech's Keweenaw Research Center, and his students also helped with the project.

L'Anse Village Manager Bob La Fave told Keweenaw Now he was excited about the work of all members of the project team resulting in the Clean Energy award.

"It really shows what public electric power can do for the people in our community, and hopefully this model can be used in other communities around the country," La Fave said.

In fact, according to Niemi's application document, "The team developed a guidebook for use by other public power utilities outlining how to use community engagement as a tool to explore and ultimately design a community solar program. The guidebook summarizes technical, economic, legal, and social topics that utilities should consider."

La Fave noted also that the project is a multi-pronged effort, since it includes energy efficiency through home weatherization as well, thanks to BHK (Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw) Community Action, a local agency that signed people up to get their home weatherized.

La Fave said this community-owned utility will result in lower rates for residents.

"Since the citizens  of the community own the electric utility, they govern the electric utility," he explained. "All of our rates are determined by the Village Council."

Participants in the Low to Moderate Income Access program are realizing between $20 and $30 a month in savings on their utility bills. Other benefits include these:

•     Encouraging customers to be energy efficient.
•     Improving understanding of renewable energy.
•     Increasing health by having healthier homes maintained at safe temperature, improved air quality.
•     Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
•     Lowering the number of late payments and accounts in arrears.

The CESA awards recognize innovative state programs and projects that have accelerated the adoption of renewable energy technologies and strengthened clean energy markets. The Michigan Solar Communities -- Low to Moderate Income Access Program was one of six winners announced June 9.

CESA, a nonprofit coalition of public agencies and organizations that work to advance clean energy, will host a webinar Thursday, July 23, on the Low to Moderate Income Access program with speakers from EGLE. You must register to participate in the webinar.

More information about community solar projects is available at the Office of Climate and Energy’s webpage.

* UPDATE (CORRECTION): We reported on June 17 the earlier number of 200 panels for the l'Anse income-qualified subscribers, according to EGLE's press release. We have updated that number to 250 panels for these subscribers who benefit from the Low to Moderate Income Access program. These are included in the present total of 340 panels in the L'Anse solar array.

** Editor's Note: Click here to see Richelle Winkler's August 5, 2019, presentation to the UP Energy Task Force. At one hour into the video, Winkler speaks about the L'Anse community solar project. Click here for the presentation slides. Visit the WPPI Energy Web site to learn more about their work.

Free community-wide Drive Thru COVID-19 Testing June 19

Baraga County, MI -- The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) announces that it has partnered with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC), Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and the Michigan National Guard (MING) to provide a free community-wide COVID-19 test site. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EDT) this Friday, June 19, 2020, at the Niiwin Akeaa Center parking lot, located at 111 Beartown Road in Baraga, behind the Ojibwa Casino.

"This will be a great opportunity for the entire community to access testing at no charge," said Kate Beer, Health Officer at WUPHD. "We have been very fortunate to be able to work with these partners to bring this event to our area."

The drive thru testing is available to anyone age 18 and over, and no prior doctor visit or appointment is necessary. Participants must bring a driver’s license or a photo I.D. to register.

Western UP Health Dept. announces change in reporting COVID-19 Testing Statistics

HANCOCK -- The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) announces that it will discontinue the current reporting format for COVID-19 testing numbers in the five-county jurisdiction. WUPHD currently reports out based upon information entered into the Michigan Disease Surveillance System or MDSS.

"As community testing has increased, the current reporting system is no longer an accurate representation of the total testing being conducted in the area," said Kate Beer, Health Officer at WUPHD. "Testing is now done by numerous entities using different reporting platforms. Individuals may be tested multiple times and at different locations. We need to change our reporting to what makes sense for monitoring the virus in our population."

Beginning this week, the WUPHD will utilize the State of Michigan’s MI Safe Start Map, found at www.mistartmap.info, as their primary reporting system for testing statistics.

"We will continue to report out individual county level positives, recoveries, and any deaths as they occur and as a weekly summary each Thursday," said Beer.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell
People should seek immediate medical attention if they have trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, or bluish lips or face.

WUPHD is working to coordinate their response with community partners. Updates are available at
www.wuphd.org. There is a State informational hotline available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT seven
days per week. That number is 1-888-535-6136. Additional information on COVID-19 can be found on
the MDHHS website or the CDC website.

Isle Royale National Park begins to implement phased opening

Overnight anchoring for boats is now allowed in the Lake Superior waters of Isle Royale National Park. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

HOUGHTON -- Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Michigan Safe Start plan, and local public health authorities, Isle Royale is increasing boat access to the park.

Since June 10, overnight anchoring for boats has been allowed in the Lake Superior waters of the park. Boaters need to get an anchoring permit in advance from the Houghton visitor center by calling 906-482-0984 or emailing ISRO_parkinfo@nps.gov. Please pay entrance fees in advance at www.pay.gov.

All park facilities (docks, trails, visitor centers, campgrounds, shelters, outhouses) remain closed at this time. Details on further opening of the park, tentatively scheduled for late June, will be issued in an upcoming press release.

When recreating, the public should follow state and local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Details and updates on park operations will be posted on the park website https://www.nps.gov/isro/index.htm and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.