Michigan issues permits for Line 5 tunnel replacement

Michigan regulatory officials on Wednesday issued several key permits for the construction of a tunnel to replace an aging section of the Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy approved a construction permit on lake bottomlands following comprehensive review.

The agency said the permit requires Enbridge to minimize damage to surrounding wetlands. The Department of Natural Resources also issued a permit despite acknowledging that construction would adversely impact rare plants and animals. State law requires the company to lessen impacts through measures such as collecting seeds for later restoration or limiting tree clearing to winter months to protect bats.

Company and opponent statements Enbridge spokesperson Ryan Duffy said the permits are an important step forward for the project that will ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy that supports Michigan and the region. The company is reviewing the permits to assess any impacts to tunnel construction.

David Holtz, coalition coordinator for Oil & Water Don't Mix, said the decisions allow destruction of wetlands and forests for a project that is not needed.

Indian Community, said any mitigation plan for historic and cultural resources is false penitence. Gravelle said the approvals would allow ancestors to be dug up and moved without respect. The Bay Mills Indian Community is exploring legal options for challenging the permits, including a contested case hearing for the EGLE permit.