MEDIA ADVISORY: Enbridge to Conduct Functional Oil Spill Response Exercise

MACKINAW CITY, MI–(Marketwired – Sep 21, 2015) – Enbridge, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and several local emergency management agencies will conduct a functional oil spill response exercise in Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Michigan, Thursday, September 24.

More than 300 participants are expected to take part in the exercise, which simulates a marine discharge of light crude oil from Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac. Those in the area can expect to see emergency response equipment and personnel, including boats, booms and other equipment deployed during the drill. No actual oil or animals will be used in this exercise. The purpose of the exercise is to test emergency response efforts, equipment, processes and procedures as well as the coordination and integration of all parties and agencies involved. Other participants include Michigan State Police, Mackinac County Sheriff, St. Ignace Police Department, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Chippewa County Emergency Management, Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority, and Charlevoix, Cheboygan & Emmet County Emergency Management. 

The exercise is part of regularly scheduled planning efforts between the USCG and industry, as directed by the National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program guidelines.

WHO: Enbridge, USCG, MDEQ, PHMSA, EPA, and local emergency response management agencies

WHAT: Functional oil spill response exercise

WHERE: Parking and check-in at 561 Boulevard Dr., St. Ignace, MI. Exercise activities to occur at various locations in vicinity of the Straits of Mackinac, MI

WHEN: Thurs., Sept. 24, 2015. Please arrive by 9:00 AM for registration, a safety briefing and opening remarks. Media shuttle to exercise staging locations departs at 10:00 AM ET. The media tour will last approximately three hours. Approximate exercise time is from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET. There will be a media briefing with key participants at approximately 4:15 PM at the Little Bear East Hockey Arena in St. Ignace. 

For safety and logistical purposes, any media who wish to attend are required to register in advance, by 12:00 PM ET, Wednesday, Sept. 23.

To register, please contact the Enbridge toll-free media line at 1-888-992-0997.