U.S. Army Corps warns of environmental risks from Great Lakes pipeline tunnel

In Michigan, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a draft analysis detailing the environmental effects associated with constructing a protective tunnel for the Line 5 oil pipeline beneath a Great Lakes channel. This analysis, which was anticipated for some time, concluded that while the tunnel could eliminate the risk of catastrophic spills due to boat anchors, the construction process itself poses significant risks to wetlands and bat habitats. Expected impacts during construction are extensive, including noise, disruption to recreational activities, and vibration disturbances affecting aquatic life. If approved, the construction would involve nearly 200 truck trips daily over six years, leading to road degradation and potential soil contamination. The aging Line 5 pipeline has been controversial since it began operation in 1953, transporting crude oil and natural gas liquids between Wisconsin and Ontario. Environmentalists have expressed significant concerns about a possible rupture and subsequent spills in the Straits of Mackinac. Legal battles have arisen involving Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who have sought to revoke the easement allowing the pipeline to operate, fueling tensions between them and Enbridge, the pipeline's operator. Despite a decade of opposition from environmental groups and indigenous tribes, ongoing legal challenges have hindered efforts to remove or reroute the pipeline. Furthermore, prominent opposition from environmental organizations highlights fears that the tunnel, while potentially reducing certain risks, may not adequately safeguard against spills that could still occur outside the tunnel's scope. Julie Goodwin of Earthjustice indicated that the analysis failed to fully address spill scenarios that could still pose threats to the Great Lakes beyond the tunnel's construction. As the final environmental assessment is anticipated in the coming months, further court rulings and political maneuvers may significantly affect the project's future. The implications of this draft analysis and subsequent permitting process are profound, influencing not only the ecological landscape of the Great Lakes but also the legal and political frameworks surrounding energy transport within the region. Environmentalists have articulated their firm stance against the tunnel, emphasizing the need for comprehensive protections for the Great Lakes ecosystem, which remains vulnerable amidst ongoing energy demands and industrial challenges.