The Michigan Public Service Commission (MSPC) has approved a settlement agreement authorizing Enbridge Energy to replace a stretch of pipeline that runs through Cass County.

Enbridge, a Canada-based oil pipeline company, is planning a maintenance and rehabilitation effort along parts of its Line 6B pipeline, which crosses through the Niles area and into southeast Michigan.

The MPSC approved Enbridge to install about 15 miles of new 36-inch diameter pipeline in Cass, Calhoun and St. Joseph counties. In another case pending at the MPSC, Enbridge is requesting to install 50 miles of new pipeline through Ingham, Livingston and Oakland counties.

In all, Enbridge is looking to replace about 75 miles of pipeline, including a five-mile stretch that passes through the city of Niles, according to Joe Martucci, Enbridge community relations consultant.

Enbridge, responsible for one of the largest oil spills in Midwest history last year in the Kalamazoo River, does regular inspections of its pipelines to determine their condition and identify signs of corrosion or damage, Martucci said.

The Line 6B pipeline transports crude oil to refineries throughout the Midwest to be converted into gasoline.