Michigan Reissues Permit for Enbridge's Line 5 Tunnel Beneath Mackinac Straits
Michigan has reissued a key environmental permit for Enbridge's proposed Line 5 tunnel beneath the Mackinac Straits, moving the long-delayed project another step through the state's approval process.
(P&GJ) — Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has reissued a wetlands and bottomlands permit for Enbridge's proposed Great Lakes Tunnel Project, allowing the state permitting process for the Line 5 replacement tunnel beneath the Mackinac Straits to move forward.
The original permit, issued in 2021 under Parts 303 and 325 of Michigan's environmental statutes, expired earlier this year because construction had not begun. Following a 16-month review, EGLE concluded the project satisfies applicable regulatory and statutory requirements and issued a new permit.
State officials said the review included a public information session, public hearing and consideration of more than 70,000 public comments. EGLE also consulted with Tribal Nations, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan History Center, the State Historic Preservation Office and an independent engineering firm before reaching its decision.
The permit includes new conditions requiring Enbridge to submit an enhanced wetland mitigation plan and additional measures to reduce impacts on cultural resources.
"The review concluded that the public and private need for the proposed activity outweighed other public interest criteria."
The proposed Great Lakes Tunnel would house a replacement for the existing dual Line 5 pipelines, which have operated on the lakebed beneath the Straits of Mackinac for more than 70 years.
EGLE said it is continuing to review Enbridge's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit renewal application after accepting public comments between May 19 and June 30.
The tunnel project also requires approvals from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Public Service Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before construction can begin.