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Enbridge reports pipeline spill in Wisconsin

Two years after a serious pipeline spill in Michigan, Enbridge Energy Partners today reported a new spill -- this one in Wisconsin.

In a news release on its website, Enbridge reported:

Enbridge Energy Partners, LP (NYSE:EEP) ("the Partnership") reported this afternoon that a release of crude oil from Line 14 has been contained. The site is near Grand Marsh, Wisconsin.

At approximately 2:45 CDT, July 27, 2012 the Enbridge Pipelines Control Center detected a pressure drop on Line 14. Control Center operators shut down and immediately isolated the line. Enbridge emergency crews were promptly deployed to the site.

No one was injured. The oil has been contained on the west side of County Road G in a field, mostly on the pipeline right-of-way. The initial estimate of the volume released is approximately 1200 barrels.

"Enbridge is treating this situation as a top priority," said Richard Adams, vice president, U.S. Operations, Enbridge. "We are bringing all necessary resources to bear. Our immediate focus is on keeping our workers and the public safe as we work to remove the oil and clean up the site."

Enbridge has notified and is working with emergency officials and the appropriate regulators. The cause of the release has not been determined and is being investigated.

At this time, Enbridge does not have an estimated time for restart of the line.

The story has been picked up on Twitter under the hashtag #enbridge. Reuters has extensive coverage, as well as many Canadian media outlets.

Enbridge's proposed Northern Gateway pipeline project across British Columbia has been the subject of national debate in recent months.

Crawford Kilian is a contributing editor of The Tyee.

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