Enbridge delivers first of four Line 5 reports to State of Michigan
Following up on a mandate included in a November 2017 agreement with the State of Michigan, Enbridge delivered its first report on feasible replacement alternatives for its Line 5 operations under the Straits of Mackinac.
The embattled pipeline, which has long been a source of contention between Enbridge, residents, and lawmakers, currently has state officials seeking different means of utility crossings. This report concludes that an underground corridor would be a feasible replacement for existing operations. However, it is only the first of four reports Enbridge is supposed to deliver on the situation this month.
Enbridge is required to examine three alternatives for the future: a tunnel beneath the Straits, an open cut pipe-in-pipe system, and horizontal directional drilling. The tunnel this report supports would essentially incase Line 5, separating it from the rest of the Great Lakes without disturbing the lake bottom. Lawmakers also theorize it as a means for other utilities to have a place there.
The Michigan Agency for Energy and the Michigan Environmental Quality and Natural Resources departments are overseeing the efforts. Independent investigations have also been a part of the ongoing Line 5 efforts. However, the issue has been heated time and again by accidents and incidents that have jeopardized the line, and repeatedly brought into question Enbridge’s willingness to act.
“Line 5 cannot remain in the Straits indefinitely,” Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said. “We need a concrete strategy and timeline to expedite its replacement. This report will help us define a comprehensive solution for all utility crossings.”
By June 30, Enbridge is also required to provide the state with an assessment of technologies that could provide greater benefits to the Line 5 Straits crossing, as well as a report on mitigation efforts for further, potential vessel anchor damage to Line 5. It is also required to provide a list of priority waters crossed by Line 5 in conjunction with assessments of the means at each crossing used to minimize the potential for and consequences of a spill.
These reports will each be independently reviewed for accuracy by state-hired contractors.
