Line 5 central to Michigan’s summertime activities, traditions
Supports boating, BBQs and bicycling
May 19, 2021
Following the 1918 flu pandemic, the world experienced a renaissance that led to the Roaring 20s and a rebirth of socializing, enjoying time with family and friends.
As communities make progress in containing COVID-19, summer 2021 is shaping into another historic summer of re-engaging with family and friends around lakes, campsites, picnic tables, fire pits and favorite swimming spots.
Whether you arrive at your summer events on a diesel-fueled boat, ferry to Mackinaw Island or in a gas-fueled car, product transported from Enbridge Line 5 helps make it possible. In addition to being essential to the manufacture of the vessels and vehicles themselves and producing the fuel to run them, Line 5 helps in the production of sunglasses, sunscreen, water shoes, sandals, and running shoes, as well as the tents that will dominate campsites.
Family traditions
“Many do not realize how much Line 5 plays a role in the things we have come to treasure,” said Bob Lehto, Enbridge’s operations manager for the northern Michigan area. “We might think of propane from Line 5 for essential home heat and cooking, though millions also use propane for the barbecues and grilling synonymous with family, friends and summertime fun,” said Lehto.
“Anyone who boats, kayaks, bikes, or swims also relies on Line 5. For swimming pool liners to life jackets to the materials used to manufacture bicycles, as well as watercrafts and the fuel to move them, Line 5 is critical.”
As Michiganders take to the waterways and beaches this summer, Lehto cites how the light crude oil and natural gas liquids from Line 5 are essential to manufacturing fishing rods, antihistamines, ointments, beach chairs, umbrellas, bathing suits and coolers.
Food and farms
Line 5 also plays a vital role in Michigan’s and the region’s farms. At least two-thirds of farm equipment rely on diesel, as do 96% of large trucks involved in agricultural transportation.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Economic Research Service, updated March 2018), farms consume energy in many forms, mainly diesel (44% of direct energy consumption), electricity (24%), natural gas (13%), gasoline (11%), and liquefied petroleum gas (7%).
Recent increases in diesel consumption come in response to people using oil and natural gas again.
“Our successful safety measures in the Straits help ensure Line 5 continues to operate reliably, ultimately providing farmers the diesel that fuels their equipment and farming operations,” reminded Lehto. “In the long run, we play a part in helping farmers feed our communities.”
Next step: The Great Lakes Tunnel
As the region prepares to fully embrace Memorial Day this year—fingers crossed—and the unofficial start of summer, Enbridge is focusing on construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel Project.
“Beyond the many fun activities each of us hopes to enjoy throughout the summer, we are proceeding with plans to construct the Great Lakes Tunnel in the Straits,” said Lehto. “This region depends on Line 5 to operate safely and reliably year round, and the Great Lakes Tunnel Project is the next step to our making a safe Line 5 even safer.”
The Great Lakes Tunnel will encase a replacement section of Line 5 deep below the lakebed, virtually eliminating the chance of an anchor strike or spill in the Straits. Enbridge is investing $500 million to construct the Tunnel, which other utilities, such as those that provide fiber optic cable, also could use.
