Army Corps of Engineers revises Enbridge Line 5 EIS schedule

Citing the need to ensure a thorough analysis, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, is pushing back its plans to publish a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) on Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project from late this year to the spring of 2025.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, received more than 17,000 public comments on the Enbridge Line 5 tunnel project during the National Environmental Policy Act scoping period. (Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District)

The decision came following public scoping for the company’s tunnel permit application review. The Detroit District, responsible for evaluating the permit application, received more than 17,000 public comments during the National Environmental Policy Act scoping period.

“We greatly appreciate the meaningful input received throughout scoping and will use this information to shape studies and continuing consultations throughout development of our draft environmental impact statement,” says Detroit District Commander Lt. Col. Brett Boyle.

Enbridge Energy is seeking authorization to construct a tunnel that would house a 30-in. replacement segment of its Line 5 pipeline crossing the Straits of Mackinac in Lake Michigan. The Line 5 Straits crossing currently consists of two 20-in. diameter pipelines that rest on or are anchored to the lakebed of the Straits and have been in operation since 1953.

Line 5 transports light crude oil and natural gas liquids, which are refined and separated into propane and other products. With the revised timeline, a final decision on the permit application may not come until early 2026.