ST. IGNACE, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Enbridge Energy Line 5 project in the Straits of Mackinac is moving ahead, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releasing a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and encouraging public comment during the month of June.

People are welcome to submit comments through virtual public meetings or through the United States Postal Service. More information can be found here.

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The Line 5 Tunnel Project, which has been underway for several years in the Straits of Mackinac, is a key step in protecting the Great Lakes while simultaneously providing energy to Michigan homes and businesses. The Canadian-based company is spending $500 million of its own money to build the tunnel around Line 5.

The EIS looks at a variety of potential environmental impacts, from soil and water sources to air quality, noise, reliability, and safety. Enbridge stated the Corps of Engineers is separately evaluating impacts to historic properties per Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Crews built Line 5 in 1953 and it has never had an environmental accident. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel have tried repeatedly in court to shut down Line 5.