The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, revises schedule following public scoping for Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel permit application review.
Enbridge Energy seeks authorization to cross the Straits of Mackinac and impact adjacent wetlands for construction of the Line 5 Tunnel. The Detroit District, responsible for evaluating the permit application, received more than 17,000 public comments during the NEPA scoping period which ended on October 14, 2022. A scoping report summarizing the comments received, by topic, is available at: https://www.Line5TunnelEIS.com/public-notices/.
“We greatly appreciate the meaningful input received throughout scoping and will use this information to shape studies and continuing consultations throughout development of our draft environmental impact statement” said Detroit District Commander Lt. Col. Brett Boyle.
The Detroit District had originally planned to publish the draft environmental impact statement in late 2023 but is now projecting a Spring 2025 publication. Additional details on the schedule and the steps in the NEPA process are available at https://www.Line5TunnelEIS.com/.
Enbridge Energy is proposing to construct a tunnel under the bed of the Straits of Mackinac between Point LaBarbe, St. Ignace and McGulpin Point, Mackinaw City, Michigan (Line 5 tunnel). Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel would house a new 30-inch pipeline for light crude oil and liquid natural gas, replacing the existing dual submerged pipelines crossing the Straits of Mackinac, which have been in operation since 1953.
Discharges and activities associated with construction of Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel require a permit under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act in accordance with federal regulations and policies. The U.S. Army Corps
Engineers is responsible for evaluation of the permit application and to make a decision whether to issue, issue with conditions, or deny Enbridge Energy’s permit application.
The Detroit District provides vital public engineering services in peace and war to secure our Nation, protect the environment, energize our economy and reduce risks from natural disasters.
Contact Detroit District Public Acting Public Affairs Chief Carrie Fox, 906-259-2841, for further information.
Original source can be found here.