Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District is hosting a 30-day public comment period after the release of their environmental impact report on the Line 5 Pipeline.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement said the tunnel would have a “beneficial cumulative effect on reduced risks of a petroleum leak in the Straits and, when combined with one of the decommissioning sub-alternatives, improvements to water-based recreation.” The report also said the largest impact would be to vegetation and possibly some wetlands, though there would be efforts to restore the land. Some would be converted into industrial use as well.

There will be virtual meetings held on June 18 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. and June 25 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Written comments are also being accepted through the link below or mailed to Line 5 Tunnel EIS, 6501 Shady Grove Road, P.O. Box 10178, Gaithersburg, MD 20898. Written comments must be postmarked by June 30.

“Public participation is an important part of the National Environmental Policy Act process to ensure a thorough environmental analysis, and an effective, consistent and well-informed decision,” Detroit District Commander Lt. Col. Wallace Bandeff said. “Even when operating under emergency procedures, the Detroit District remains committed to following the NEPA process.”

All submitted comments will be added to the Detroit District’s administrative record and will be considered during the preparation of the Final Environmental Impact Statement and other parts of their review as needed.

The Line 5 Tunnel Project, proposed by Enbridge Energy, would construct a tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac in Lake Michigan. The tunnel would house a replacement piece of the Line 4 pipeline, which transports both crude oil and natural gas liquids. The project has received backlash from multiple groups, voicing environmental concerns.

The EIS assesses potential impacts of the project and alternatives. Officials said one would be the “No Action” alternative would involve installing a protective gravel and rock cover over the existing Dual Pipelines in the Straits.

The Corps of Engineers is also looking at impacts to historic properties and how to minimize, mitigate and avoid the impact. They are also conducting a treaty rights analysis while consulting federally recognized Tribes to determine if the project would affect or go against treaty rights. The analyses will be released in the Record of Decision following the Final EIS. The Record of Decision date is currently expected to be in the fall.

“The Detroit District continues to prepare the Final EIS and comply with all applicable legal and policy requirements, including its federal trust responsibility to Tribal Nations, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act,” Bandeff said. “These processes will inform the District’s permit decision.”

The full Draft Environmental Impact Statement is linked below.

(photo credit: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District)