Enbridge gets OK for 1st Indiana oil pipeline segment

GRIFFITH, Ind. — Federal regulators have given Enbridge Energy approval to begin installing the first segment of the company's planned replacement of 60 miles of crude oil pipeline in northern Indiana.

The Times of Munster reports the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently cleared the way for work to begin on a pipeline section running between the Indiana-Michigan state line and LaPorte.

Enbridge spokeswoman Jennifer Smith says workers are preparing the Indiana route of the pipeline that will ultimately run between Canada and the Enbridge terminal in Griffith.

Environmental groups worry the project to replace a 44-year-old pipeline could harm sensitive areas along nearby Lake Michigan. They also say a breach of the new pipeline would have devastating impacts on the lake and its watershed, which provides drinking water to millions.