Skip to content

Repairs to severed electrical transmission lines in Mackinac Straits continue (6 photos)

Cables sealed, capped and soldered before being returned to original resting positions underwater
NEWS RELEASE
U.S. COAST GUARD
*************************
MACKINAW CITY, MICH., - The south side of one of the two severed utility cables owned by American Transmission Company was soldered, capped, sealed, and laid on the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac in its original position, Thursday. 

A tug, barge, and remotely operated underwater vehicle were used to permanently seal and cap the ends of the two severed ATC utility cables.

Operations to seal and cap the remaining ends of the two severed cables will continue throughout this weekend.

ATC is currently preparing a long term plan to remove the damaged cables, under the oversight of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Additionally, Consumers Energy is developing a plan, under the oversight of the Unified Command, to respond to the damage to their deenergized, retired cables in the Straits of Mackinac. The company reported to the Unified Command that there is no free flowing fluid within their retired cables. Consumers Energy is currently working to obtain a sample of the affected line to test for chemical properties within the 46 kV cable.

*************************

What's next?


If you would like to apply to become a Verified reader Verified Commenter, please fill out this form.


Discussion