Overview
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued an individual permit on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, authorizing regulated in-water work for Enbridge’s roughly four-mile tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac and published a Record of Decision finding compliance with key federal statutes.
- The Corps said its review fulfilled obligations under NEPA, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act and federal Tribal trust responsibilities, but it noted the project will cause adverse impacts to threatened plants and to archaeological and historic sites.
- The Corps stressed the permit governs only in-water work and does not regulate pipeline design, operation, or the types of products carried through Line 5.
- Tribal nations and environmental groups immediately signaled continued legal challenges, saying cultural and spiritual sites cannot be fully mitigated, while Enbridge called the decision a rigorous review and reiterated that Line 5 is safe.
- Key state actions still stand between the permit and construction: the Michigan Supreme Court ordered further state environmental review earlier this month and regulators must resolve an EGLE wastewater discharge decision expected by Sept. 30 along with other state permits and court fights before work can begin.