Straits of Mackinac
Coverage of Straits of Mackinac in the Nexus archive.
- Line 5 tunnel in Michigan clears major permitting hurdle, in blow to opposition
Michigan regulators approved key permits for Enbridge Energy's Line 5 tunnel project in the Straits of Mackinac, arguing it is necessary to prevent oil spills in the Great Lakes. Opponents, including environmental and tribal groups, criticized the decision as environmentally and culturally harmful, citing destruction of wetlands and historic resources.
- State issues Line 5 permits despite conceding its ‘significant impacts’
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources issued key permits for Enbridge’s proposed Line 5 tunnel, despite acknowledging the project’s 'significant impacts.'
- Mackinac Bridge falls below threshold of collapse risk from vessel collision, report finds
The Mackinac Bridge is at a lower risk of collapse from vessel collisions than the national threshold, according to a report by the Mackinac Bridge Authority and consultant Parsons. The study, conducted in response to the National Transportation Safety Board's request following the 2024 Baltimore bridge collapse, found the bridge's annual collapse probability is 0.000097, below AASHTO's limit for critical bridges.
- Mackinac Bridge clears national safety check prompted by bridge collapse in Baltimore
The Mackinac Bridge was found to have a lower risk of collapse from ship collisions than national safety thresholds, according to a report by engineering firm Parsons. The study calculated a 10,350-year return period for potential collapse, below the .0001 limit for critical bridges, contrasting sharply with the 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore.
- Public comment deadline for Michigan Line 5 project ends Tuesday
The public comment period for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel wastewater permit ends Tuesday, with environmental groups opposing the discharge of 7 million gallons of treated industrial wastewater into the Great Lakes daily. Enbridge claims the project includes environmental safeguards and AI monitoring, but critics question the adequacy of these measures to protect the lakes.
- Supreme Court rules for Michigan in its fight to shut down an aging energy pipeline
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Michigan's lawsuit to shut down a section of the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac will remain in state court, citing Enbridge's delay in moving the case to federal court. The pipeline, operational since 1953, has faced legal battles over safety concerns and environmental risks, with Michigan revoking its easement in 2020 and Enbridge seeking permits for a protective tunnel.