Enbridge and Governor Snyder Reach Agreement Regarding Replacing Controversial Line 5 Pipeline.

A deal has been struck that will result in the Line 5 pipeline through the Straits of Mackinac remaining in operation while a replacement tunnel is built.

There has been significant controversy throughout the state relating to the Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline that crosses the Straits of Mackinac. Many environmental protesters believe that the pipeline should be shut down because its age and condition threaten the integrity of the Great Lakes.

According to this article, Enbridge and Governor Snyder have agreed that “a shared ‘utility corridor’ [will be] drilled 100 feet into bedrock below the lake bed, a project expected to take seven to 10 years and cost $350 million to $500 million.” This tunnel will protect the Great Lakes by preventing the “oil pipeline from direct contact with the water.” It would also serve as a corridor for other utility installations.

Protestors contend that allowing the existing pipeline to remain in place is dangerous. The deal involves some additional temporary measures to address the time period before the tunnel is constructed. “Under the deal, Enbridge must have staff on site capable of shutting down Line 5 within 15 minutes when waves reach a certain height.The company has also agreed to set aside $1.8 billion to respond to any potential Line 5 spill, a figure identified in a worst-case analysis performed for the state by researchers at Michigan Technological University.”

It is unknown whether Enbridge will need to acquire any new shoreline property rights to facilitate construction of the tunnel and whether eminent domain will be required to acquire those rights.