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Great Lakes Tunnel: 40,000+ hours dedicated to local environmental surveys

Three workers digging

Surveys play critical role in project’s permitting process

Nov. 20, 2024

The timeline and the hours of work tell an important story.

Following the December 2018 announcement that the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority (MSCA) and Enbridge had reached agreement on the future of Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline at the Straits of Mackinac, planning began for the Great Lakes Tunnel project.

male corporate headshot 

“It comes down to having respect for the community, their history, and the environment.”

—Paul Meneghini, Enbridge community engagement manager


Built by Michigan labor, the tunnel will harness the knowledge and experience of industry-leading tunnel engineers, pending receipt of necessary permits and approvals.

Since 2019, Enbridge has dedicated more than 40,000 hours to conducting a variety of surveys in the Straits as part of the permitting process for the proposed Great Lakes Tunnel Project, a significant undertaking.

Worker performs survey digging in the ground

Environmental surveys help assess potential impacts of a project. As some surveys were underway, you might have even seen Enbridge’s boats on the water or survey teams on Enbridge property on the north and south sides of the Straits.

two workers perform cultural survey

Some of the dozens of surveys completed to date include:

  • Wetland delineation
  • Land and lake-bottom archaeological and cultural surveys
  • Sensitive species and habitats, such as eagle’s nests, endangered plants, dragonflies and bats
  • Noise, light, visual, and historical properties assessments
  • Water sampling
Boat of workers complete a water sample

Enbridge has submitted all survey results to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Results of the surveys will assist the USACE in its review of Enbridge’s application for the proposed Great Lakes Tunnel Project.

“Honoring and preserving cultural resources as well as the environment is important to Enbridge,” said Paul Meneghini, manager, Enbridge community engagement.

“One of the first steps toward upholding our commitment is identifying and understanding the significant resources in the area.”

The Tunnel will be designed and constructed to limit potential impacts on the environment.

Enbridge is committed to reducing environmental impacts not only throughout construction, but once the replacement segment of Line 5 is in operation.