They're worried millions of gallons of oil will spill into the Great Lakes. Monday, protestors showed up at the Attorney General's Office to deliver letters from 5,000 people who want Enbridge's line five under the straits of Mackinac shut down this winter.
"We talk often about our treaty protected rights. Even a small spill in line five of the straits of Mackinac would ruin the spawning beds. We have treaty protected activities and our fishing rights there" said Catherine Hollowell, Tribal Council Member of Sault Ste. Marie Tribe. "So that's a big concern to us. But the right to clean water is a human right."
The group also attended Monday afternoons meeting of the Pipeline Safety Advisory Board. During public comments, several people spoke out, saying line five is not safe or reliable.
Researchers have documents at least eight violations by Enbridge involving it's easement agreement with the state, including one that resulted in a notice from the state.
Enbridge says it's committed to protecting the region.
Monday the company released this statement: "We all want what's best for the safety of the Straits Of Mackinac, the Great Lakes and the people whose lives and livelihoods are connected to these waters... We have a responsibility to operate our facilities safely, while continuing to provide a vital service to the residents and economy of Michigan."
