Overview
- State agencies reissued critical permits on Wednesday, July 16, 2026, authorizing construction activities that would affect roughly 1.53 acres of wetlands and 0.17 acres of lake bottomlands in the Straits of Mackinac.
- The Michigan DNR found the project would harm rare plants such as Houghton’s goldenrod and dwarf lake iris and disturb bat habitat but concluded those impacts are not likely to jeopardize the species and imposed specific mitigation measures and monitoring.
- EGLE acknowledged the permits carry “significant impacts,” including likely damage to historic and cultural resources, and required Enbridge to submit mitigation plans by year’s end and post a $1.1 million surety bond to guarantee those actions.
- Great Lakes tribal nations and environmental advocates condemned the approvals and said they will seek legal challenges; Bay Mills Indian Community called the decision a betrayal and Earthjustice said it expects to appeal.
- Enbridge called the permits an important step while noting it is reviewing conditions, but the company still needs federal approvals — including a U.S. Army Corps Clean Water Act permit and wastewater discharge clearance — plus pending court rulings before construction can begin.