Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder's administration and Canadian pipeline giant Enbridge have reached a deal on replacing 65-year-old twin pipelines in a channel linking two of the Great Lakes. The announcement came Wednesday, as officals say the deal calls for shutting down the Line 5 pipes in the Straits of Mackinac connecting Lakes Huron and Michigan.
“This common-sense solution offers the greatest possible safeguards to Michigan’s waters while maintaining critical connections to ensure Michigan residents have the energy resources they need,” said Gov. Rick Snyder in a press release. “The historic agreement will result in eliminating nearly every risk of an oil leak in the Straits and provide added protections to the Great Lakes. It also will allow for multiple utilities to be housed and protected, better connecting our peninsulas, improving energy security and supporting economic development. The taxpayers of Michigan will benefit greatly from this project but won’t have to pay for it.”
A new pipeline would run through a tunnel dug into bedrock below the lake bed. The project could take seven to 10 years to complete and cost up to $500 million, which Enbridge would pay.
According to a number of studies, an oil spill in the Straits of Mackinac would have devestating ecological and economic effects. Supporters say the deal protects the lakes and ensures reliable energy. But it's sure to draw criticism from groups that oppose any oil shipments in the straits area.