The public is invited to comment on Enbridge Energy’s proposed Line 5 tunnel project.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, published a public notice on July 16, 2025, which officially started the department’s full review of the proposed project.
Enbridge wants to build a tunnel to replace part of its controversial Line 5 pipeline. Part of this plan involves getting permits to authorize surface facilities.
Point La Barbe
According to the public notice, Enbridge plans to “fill, grade, and construct within 1.53 acres of wetlands in Mackinac County on Point La Barbe.”
This would include building construction, construction laydown areas, tunnel portal construction, and road improvements within wetlands.
McGulpin Point
According to the public notice, Enbridge proposes putting a water intake structure in Emmet County on McGulpin Point.
This would impact .17 of an acre of Lake Michigan bottomland. The proposal “includes a 61-foot-long, 14-inch-diameter pipe extension where the intake line exits the lake bottom, and the intake structure which is proposed to be placed on a 12-foot-wide by 12-foot-long precast concrete pad. Up to 15 concrete ballasts, each measuring 48 inches by 24 inches by 40 inches, to weigh the intake pipe and structure to the lake bottom are also proposed.”
The water intake structure would remain for the duration of construction, which is expected to take six years. All bottomland impacts are proposed to be eliminated after construction.
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How to submit a comment
The public has through August 29, 2025, to submit their comments.
You can submit a comment online through EGLE’s public notice website for application number HQ3-8BYB-N9DT1 in MiEnviro Portal.
Comments can also be sent via email to EGLE-Enbridge-Public-Comments@Michigan.gov or mailed to EGLEGDO-WRDP.O. Box 30458Lansing, Michigan 48909-7958.
A public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. You can click here to register for the public hearing.
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