Enbridge plans new oil spill safeguards

MARSHALL, Mich. (WOOD) - As a result of the devastating oil spill in the Kalamazoo River nearly two years ago, Enbridge is implementing changes to prevent oil spills in the future.

A ruptured pipeline near Marshall in July of 2010 caused what's being called the worst oil spill in the history of the country.

Tuesday, the federal National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will determine the probable cause of the spill and consider safety recommendations for future pipeline ruptures and oil spills.

Enbridge spokesman Jason Manshum told 24 Hour News 8 the company is busy making its own changes to make sure a similar spill never happens again.

"We don't ever want to experience another accident like this," said Manshum.

Manshum said the company is developing a new team whose only purpose will be to monitor the pipelines.

When the spill happened, those responsible for monitoring the lines had many responsibilities, which may be part of the reason why so much oil got out before the emergency response.

Enbridge is also replacing the pipeline and will institute new safeguards to "maintain the health and integrity of the line," Manshum said.

All areas of the Kalamazoo River affected by the spill are now open, including a small area of water near Morrow Lake that remained closed for longer than much of the river.

Enbridge may still face $3.7 million in fines from the U.S. Department of Transportation.