Enbridge Energy Partners LP, Houston, (NYSE: EEP) confirmed that it returned Line 6B to service on Sept. 28.

The graduated return to service of Line 6B was conducted in accordance with the previously approved Restart Plan accepted by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) as amended Sept. 22.

"During the restart of Line 6B, the safety of the neighboring communities was, and remains, our top priority," says Terrance McGill, president of the partnership. "Our commitment to the surrounding communities to complete the pipeline spill restoration continues to be our primary focus. We will be in the Marshall area as long as necessary to make sure we are meeting the requirements of local, state and federal agencies. Enbridge has been in Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties for more than 40 years and we intend to remain part of these communities for many years to come."

Line 6B operating pressure was phased in gradually until it reached the approved pressure. Under the provisions of the multi-stage Restart Plan, restart operations and conditions along Line 6B include reduced operating pressure, supplementary pipeline control and line monitoring. During the execution of the restart process, both PHMSA and a third party monitor continue to inspect activities for compliance with the approved Restart Plan through completion of other pipeline operating activities as prescribed in the Restart Plan.

Line 6B is a 30-inch, 283,000-barrel-per-day line transporting light synthetics, heavy and medium crude oil from Griffith, Indiana to Sarnia, Ontario. It is part of the partnership's Lakehead System. The pipeline was shut down on July 26 due to a leak in Marshall, Mich.