MARQUETTE — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is asking for more information by Monday from Enbridge officials following the discovery of damage to a section of Line 5 running through the Straits of Mackinac.

Whitmer sent a letter to Enbridge CEO Al Monaco on Friday after Enbridge alerted state officials on Thursday an anchor support on one of the dual pipelines running along the straits had “incurred significant damage,” according to a statement released Friday.

In the letter, Whitmer requested all information available to Enbridge about the incident — including engineering reports, photographs and video — be sent to Liesl Clark, director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and Dan Eichinger, director of the Department of Natural Resources.

The damaged anchor support lies around 150 feet from a section of damage to the pipeline coating that was reportedly discovered on May 26.

“The information I have received about this incident leaves many unanswered questions as to the cause of this damage, the catastrophe that may have been narrowly avoided, and the threats that may remain as a result of the damaged infrastructure,” Whitmer said in the release. “That’s why I am requesting Enbridge turn over to the state of Michigan all relevant information about this most recent damage and provide affirmative evidence that establishes the integrity of the pipeline.”

According to the release, Enbridge shut down the pipeline after discovering the damaged anchor support and is gathering more information through divers, the use of a remotely operated vehicle, and other means. The pipeline remains shut down as Enbridge continues to gather more information.

“One close call with Line 5 is one too many, which is why I am calling on Enbridge to proceed with the utmost caution and care,” Whitmer said.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.