Enbridge welcomes State approval to commence geotechnical program

June 17, 2019

Enbridge Inc. today welcomed the State of Michigan’s affirmation of our rights to collect geotechnical samples as permitted by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

Along with a permit from the United States Army Corps of Engineers that is in place, we are fully authorized to undertake the geotechnical program that will gather information to inform the detailed engineering and permit application efforts that are part of advancing our commitment to the tunnel that will house a replacement pipeline for Line 5 at the Straits of Mackinac. 

This confirmation by the State and our financial commitment to carry out the 2019 work program preserves the schedule to complete the tunnel at the earliest possible date. Project activities will commence during the week of June 17.

Enbridge has served Michigan’s energy needs for many decades and takes that obligation, along with the protection of the Great Lakes, very seriously. This work is the first step—and a strong signal of our commitment—to respond to concerns raised by some within the State by investing $500 million to construct and operate a concrete-walled tunnel 100 feet below the Straits in which a new Line 5 would be housed by 2024.