A Texas based petroleum transport company wants to funnel crude oil across the St. Clair River. They are waiting on State Department approval, the agency that has jurisdiction because it crosses the border.
However, the pipeline to be used, is nearly 100 years old.
Residents nearby are crying foul. Not only over fears for the safety of their drinking water, but because they never had a say in anything.
"They should have let people talk about it more," said Scott Steele of Marysville.
The pipeline runs from Marysville to Canada. It went in in 1918. But at instillation, the transport of oil was approved, and essentially, the State Department is falling back on the original rules.
Which means no big environmental reviews are necessary, regardless of the fact the pipeline has aged alot.
In fact no one really knows the condition of the pipeline - at least they aren't saying.
A sign on the bank of the river warns boaters not to drop anchor or dredge. You can image what might happen if someone accidentally does drop anchor on that crusty old pipe.
"If it ever ruptures, all the people down river would have the pollution in their water system," said Wendy Andrews of nearby Marine City.
She wishes too, there was more public comment. Here's more on why there wasn't.
The 7 Investigators have learned the permit was moved through the Federal Register, which if you haven't heard of that, you aren't alone. No one would find it - unless you are looking for it.
There was a 30 day protest period of sorts that - of course - no one really knew about.
The only thing that might stop this now is if a federal agency such as the EPA steps up with concern.
Environmental activists are now lobbying the State Department, as well, to take a closer review before granting a go-ahead.
