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Law Center Threatens To Sue Enbridge

The Detroit-based Great Lakes Law Center is threatening to sue Enbridge, the firm that owns and operates the pipeline that leaked nearly one million gallons of oil in Calhoun County.

WWJ's Rob Sanford reports the Great Lakes Law Center is accusing Enbridge of violating the Clean Water Act.

The Great Lakes Law Center has filed a notice of intent of filing a suit against Enbridge, unless a settlement can be reached.  Enbridge could face up to $26 million in civil penalties.

The center has yet to speak with Enbridge officials, but hope to work something out before the 60 day timeframe expires.

Nick Schroeck, the executive director at the Great Lakes Law Center, said the spill will cost the company plenty.

"I can't say for certain what would be an acceptable settlement, that's where we'd have to make our discussions with EPA and with Department of Natural Resources and the Environment," Schroeck said.

The leak has been contained, and the oil does not appear to have gone more than 25 miles downstream from the spill site.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it's received approval for up to $13 million to pay for the federal government's response to the oil spill in the Kalamazoo River.

The federal government will seek full reimbursement for the money from Enbridge partners.

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