Enbridge Agrees To Pay $177 Million To Settle Oil Spills

Enbridge Energy has agreed to pay $177 million as part of a consent decree with the U.S. Government, mostly for the 2010 oil spill in Marshall.

The settlement resolves claims from the 2010 oil spill in Marshall, and another one in Romeoville, Illinois. Enbridge agrees to spend $110 million to prevent future spill and improve operations. Enbridge also agrees to pay $62 million in penalties for violating the Clean Water Act, and $5.4 Million to reimburse the government for unpaid clean up costs with the two spills. Enbridge settled with the State of Michigan in 2015 at about $75 million.

The Detroit News reports this is the second largest settlement of its kind in U.S. history. The News also breaks down the money:

■Approximately $110 million in injunctive relief — steps taken to offset damage done by the spill and prevent further disasters
■$61 million in penalties for the Marshall spill
■$1 million in penalties for the Romeoville spill
■$5.4 million for costs the government incurred during cleanup of the Marshall spill

According to the News, reaction is split, with the president of the National Wildlife Federation saying it's not enough. Rep. Fred Upton quoted as saying higher standards need to be achieved.