Last night, dozens of people in Marshall had a chance to look at plans for a new oil pipeline that would run through their mid-Michigan community.
The new pipeline would replace an older one that ruptured two years ago, resulting in a massive oil spill.
The pipeline company set up numerous displays, including maps showing the planned pipeline’s 210 mile route from northern Indiana, through southern Michigan to the Canadian border.
Part of that route passes through land owned by George Day. He’s philosophical about the prospect that part of his property will likely be dug out for the pipeline's installation.
“You just hope that another break don’t happen,” Day said with a shrug after being asked about the changes the new pipeline might rupture someday.
Other people at last night’s meeting say it's too bad the new pipeline wasn't in place before the 2010 break that leaked more than 800 thousand gallons of crude oil.
State regulators are not expected to make their decision on the pipeline project until late this year or early next year.
Enbridge officials hope to complete construction of the proposed pipeline by the Fall of 2013.
Enbridge will hold three more open houses this week. Two in Michigan (Three Rivers on Wednesday and Marysville on Thursday) and one in Indiana (LaPorte on Tuesday).
