Marine Pollution Control8631 West Jefferson Avenue
Detroit, MI 48209 USA
313.849.2333 - 24/hour
11320 E Lakewood Blvd., #11
Holland, MI 49424
800-521-8232 – 24/Hour
GSA Contract #: GS-10F-0268R
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Legislation Passed to Protect Great Lakes
March 7, 2016
The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) through 2019, in addition to improving safety and oversight.
The bill increases standards for pipeline workers operating near or in the Great Lakes. It also mandates that pipeline companies prepare their equipment for harsh winter weather and create an emergency plan for spills in icy conditions.
"The legislation would include designating the Great Lakes a high consequence area, updating oil spill response plans to include ice cover and requiring reviews of pipeline age and integrity," says an official statement.
The pipeline legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Senator Gary Peters of Michigan is sponsoring the legislation. "An oil spill in the Great Lakes would be catastrophic — not only for Michigan's economy and environment but for the 40 million people that rely on the Great Lakes as their source of clean drinking water," said Peters in a statement.