Editor:
In July 2010, after Enbridge's ruptured pipeline spilled one million gallons of toxic oil in the Kalamazoo River, the biggest oil spill in the U.S. mid West, Pat Daniels, Enbridge chief executive officer apologized saying, “We have negatively impacted your lives.”
Enbridge pledged to reimburse these residents for all losses.
However six months later, several residents have not been able to get satisfactory arrangements for property damages and health issues.
They are suing Enbridge for damages, and nuisance and negligence.
Enbridge's legal defense arguments are very troubling: the company argues that it cannot be held liable for the oil spill because it has followed all relevant laws, regulations and industry standards.
Although Enbridge repeatedly told residents it would pay all legitimate expenses, in its legal filing the company says, “The statements at issue, that were made in Enbridge's press releases and brochures, were mere expressions of intention, not offers.”
In short Enbridge is not responsible because spills and pipeline breaks are not foreseeable. We can only wonder that if Enbridge is not responsible, is it then irresponsible?
How can we believe any of Enbridge's promises or commitments that it is making during the review process?
Frank Lehman