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Project permit applications: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Enbridge has submitted an application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to build the Great Lakes Tunnel to house a replacement segment of Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline crossing the Straits of Mackinac (Straits) in Lake Michigan. Construction will not begin until all necessary permits are received. The Notice of Intent (NOI) for the Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) appeared in the Federal Register on Aug. 15, 2022, and the EIS scoping and Section 106 input period will continue for 60 days, ending on Oct. 14, 2022.

Enbridge encourages public participation in the process. Learn about the federal permits and public participation opportunities:

USACE public comment open until Oct. 14, 2022

The primary Federal involvement associated with the proposed action is the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, and the construction of structures and/or work that may affect navigable waters. Based on the potential impacts of the proposed project, the USACE intends to prepare an EIS in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to render a final decision on the permit application. The USACE is also preparing an Ethnographic/ Traditional Cultural Landscape Study as part of the EIS and its responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Information about the project, NEPA timeline and public documents can be found on the USACE permit website.

Comments posted to date can be found here.

Written comments may be mailed to:

Line 5 Tunnel EIS
16501 Shady Grove Road, P.O. Box 10178
Gaithersburg, MD 20898

Public meeting schedule:

  • Sept. 1, 2022, 5 to 8 p.m. ET (virtual): Join on the web here, or by phone at 309-205-3325 using Webinar ID: 835 9013 1384
  • Sept. 8, 2022, 3 to 8 p.m. ET (in person) at the Little Bear Arena, 275 Marquette Street, Saint Ignace, MI 49781
  • Oct. 6, 2022, 1 to 4 p.m. ET (virtual): Join on the web here, or by phone at 309-205-3325 using Webinar ID: 829 6174 3672

Pre-registration for the meetings is not required. Comments during meetings will be limited to three minutes.

Tips For Submitting Effective Scoping Comments

The USACE invites federal, state, and local agencies, Tribes, other interested parties, and the public to participate in the scoping process. The purpose of the scoping process is to provide information to the public and to serve as a mechanism to solicit agency and public input on potentially significant effects due to the proposed project, areas for in-depth analysis within the Draft EIS, project purpose and need, alternatives to the project, alternative screening criteria, or other relevant points for consideration in the Draft EIS. The tips below are meant to help the public submit comments that have an impact in the USACE’s scoping process for development of the Draft EIS:

  • There is no minimum or maximum length for an effective written comment.
  • The comment process is not a vote. When crafting a comment, it is important that you adequately explain the reasoning behind your position.
  • A constructive, information-rich comment (either positive or negative) that clearly communicates and supports its claims is more likely to have an impact on decision making.
  • Base your justification on sound reasoning, scientific evidence, substantive data and facts, and/or how you will be impacted.
  • If you disagree with a proposed action, suggest an alternative and include an explanation and/or analysis of how the alternative might meet the same objective or be more effective.
  • Identify credentials and experience that may distinguish your comments from others. If you are commenting in an area in which you have relevant personal or professional experience (i.e., scientist, attorney, fisherman, businessman, etc.), say so.