The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is beginning the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline tunnel project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) scoping process with the Notice of Intent (NOI) publishing in the Federal Register.
The NOI informs the public of the upcoming environmental analysis and describes how the public can become involved in the EIS process for the Enbridge’s Line 5 Pipeline Tunnel project proposal to cross the Straits of Mackinac in Lake Michigan.
“The Notice of Intent starts the scoping process, the 60-day period in which the Corps of Engineers solicits Tribal Nation, agency and public input to help define the range of issues and potential alternatives the EIS should address,” said Detroit District Commander Lt. Col. Brett Boyle. “The Corps of Engineers will ensure all voices are heard in an open, transparent and public EIS process.”
Tribal Nations, agencies, communities, organizations, citizens and other stakeholders can provide input during the 60-day scoping process, open now through October 14, 2022. Submissions are accepted via mail, through the project website or at in-person or virtual public meetings held during the scoping period.
“The scoping process is not a vote,” said Boyle. “Comments should help identify areas for in-depth review, including historic properties, water quality, general environmental effects and other public interest factors. This is a great opportunity to have an impact in the Corps of Engineers scoping process for developing the Draft EIS.”
For more information on developing effective scoping comments, submitting comments, or public meeting information, please visit: www.Line5TunnelEIS.com.All comments, oral or written, are weighed equally.
For the Line 5 tunnel project, Enbridge Energy is proposing to construct a tunnel under the bed of the Straits of Mackinac between Point LaBarbe, St. Ignace and McGulpin Point, Mackinaw City, Michigan. The tunnel would house a new 30-inch pipeline for light crude oil and liquid natural gas, replacing the existing dual submerged pipelines crossing the Straits of Mackinac, which have been in operation since 1953.
The application is being evaluated under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act in accordance with federal regulations and policies. Corps of Engineers authority is limited to the proposed crossing of the Straits of Mackinac and adjacent wetlands.
Corps of Engineers officials estimate a Draft EIS will be available for public review and comment Fall of 2023.
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