Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy granted a construction permit on Wednesday for Enbridge Energy to build a tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac, a major waterway separating Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. The tunnel would replace an existing section of Line 5, a dual-segment pipeline that has transported crude oil and natural gas liquids for more than 73 years across a 645-mile route from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario.
State regulators determined that preventing potential oil spills in the Great Lakes justified the project’s environmental costs. The Department of Natural Resources issued its own permit while acknowledging that construction would adversely affect rare plants and animals in the region. Both permits include mitigation requirements, including measures to protect wetlands and wildlife during construction phases.
Enbridge characterized the permit approvals as significant progress toward completing the tunnel, stating the project would ensure reliable energy supplies to Michigan and the region. The company noted it is reviewing the permits to assess impacts on construction timelines.
Opponents mounted immediate challenges to the decision. Environmental groups contended the project remains unnecessary and criticized the destruction of wetlands and forests. Tribal nations raised concerns about the tunnel crossing ancestral lands and potentially disturbing remains of tribal ancestors. The Bay Mills Indian Community, whose treaty lands would be affected, indicated it would pursue legal remedies including contested case hearings. Environmental advocates also connected the decision to climate change concerns, noting current wildfire conditions in Canada.
Enbridge still requires additional permits from federal regulators and a court decision on a previously issued state permit before construction can commence. A pending permit related to wastewater discharge during construction expired and requires renewal. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expected to issue its permit, potentially expedited through a national energy emergency declaration. Separately, the Line 5 pipeline continues facing legal challenges regarding its ongoing operation in the straits, with the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling enabling state court proceedings on that matter.
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