The HDD technique: Going deep to minimize impact

The Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) construction method is used to drill a tunnel under a waterway or other sensitive crossing to minimize environmental impact at the surface. In 2022, Enbridge performed an HDD operation to replace a segment of our Line 5 pipeline in Michigan’s Iron County. “It’s become one of the preferred construction techniques for many utilities, including pipelines, to cross large waterbodies or sensitive areas,” says Paul, Enbridge’s manager of community engagement for Michigan.