Important public meeting scheduled for Enbridge Great Lakes Tunnel



Animation image of a tunnel boring machine Enbridge is proposing to build the Great Lakes Tunnel deep under the Straits of Mackinac to house a replacement section of Line 5.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seeking input

Sept. 7, 2022

As part of the permitting process for Enbridge’s construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is hosting an in-person public meeting.

The agency is seeking comments regarding the scope of the Environmental Impact Statement it is preparing for Enbridge’s permit application.

The USACE will host the meeting on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 3 to 8 p.m. (ET) at the Little Bear Arena, 275 Marquette St. in St. Ignace. Those interested in sharing input about the Great Lakes Tunnel will receive approximately three minutes to speak about the environmental aspects of the project.

Placed deep below the lakebed of the Straits, the Great Lakes Tunnel will encase a replacement section of Enbridge Line 5. It will remove the pipeline itself from the water, eliminating the chance of an anchor strike to it and reducing the chance of a release to near zero.

“Given the tremendous environmental and safety benefits the Great Lakes Tunnel will bring to the region, it is understandable why a recent survey found more than 70 percent of Michiganders support Enbridge’s construction of it,” said Paul Meneghini, manager of community engagement for Enbridge.

“The Great Lakes Tunnel will provide the next generation infrastructure to meet the energy and other utility needs of residents and businesses throughout the Great Lakes region, and we encourage them to come to the meeting and voice their support. Let your voice be heard.”

Learn additional information about the meeting here.