On 29/01/2021 the Enbridge Line 5 tunnel in the Straits of Mackinac got another step closer to being built. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy announced its approval of the permits that Enbridge is required to have to build the replacement tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac.  

EGLE is obligated to review permit applications with the goal of protecting the environment and public health, but within the confines of Michigan law. EGLE has  issued permits designed to ensure that if a tunnel is constructed, it will be in strict compliance with relevant statutes and adhere to stringent protections against impacts to the Great Lakes.  

The Line 5 tunnel is a project initially approved in the last months of former Gov. Rick Snyder’s term. The tunnel, running under the lakebed, would house a replacement for the current 68-year-old twin pipeline running through the straits.  

The EGLE permits are an important milestone for the tunnel project and are part of the process to authorize its construction.  

Environmental groups immediately criticized EGLE’s decision, saying that instead of supporting the Governor’s work to shut down line 5 safely, EGLE has allowed Enbridge to fast track these poorly planned and dangerous oil tunnel permits.  

Aside from the permits from EGLE, Enbridge still needs permits from the Michigan Public Service Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  

The decision by EGLE to issue permits related to tunnel construction, consistent with law, in no way lessens the pressing need for a shutdown of the existing pipelines by mid-May and Enbridge’s legal obligation to comply with that deadline.  

For further information click here for a video, here and us/126 for tunnelbuilder archive. Visit https://www.greatlakesnow.org/. 05/21.