TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – A public interest law firm is preparing to sue the Canadian owners of a pipeline that ruptured in southern Michigan and dumped hundreds of thousands of gallons of oil into a Kalamazoo River tributary.
The Great Lakes Law Center on Monday sent Enbridge Inc. a notice of intent to file if a settlement isn't reached within 60 days. The letter accuses the company of violating the Clean Water Act.
The Detroit-based law center says Enbridge could face more than $26 million in civil penalties based on the Environmental Protection Agency's estimate the spill exceeds 1 million gallons. The company estimates it at 820,000 gallons.
Company spokeswoman Lorraine Grymala says she's unaware of the letter and can't comment on litigation.
Enbridge reported the spill a week ago.
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