The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) reminded citizens that next week will mark the start of a series of informational sessions and public hearings on the Enbridge Energy Line 5 tunnel permit application to build a utility tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac. The tunnel is designed to relocate the portion of the Line 5 oil and natural gas liquids pipeline that currently rests on the bottom of the Straits.

Eight online events are scheduled between Sept. 8 and Oct. 8.

Public Information Session on Enbridge Line 5 Application for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Wastewater Permit.

— Sept. 8 at 6 p.m.

— Sept. 15 at 1 p.m.

Public Information Session on Enbridge Line 5 Application for Proposed Tunnel Construction Involving Potential Wetlands Impacts.

— Sept. 10 at 1 p.m.

— Sept. 21 at 6 p.m.

Public Hearing on Enbridge Line 5 Application for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Wastewater Permit.

— Sept. 29 at 1 p.m.

— Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.

Public Hearing on Enbridge Line 5 Application for Proposed Tunnel Construction Involving Potential Wetlands Impacts.

— Oct. 1 at 1 p.m.

— Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.

Pre-registration is not required to attend the meetings. All webinars will also be recorded for future viewing.

In addition to receiving public comment during the hearings, EGLE will also accept comments on the applications submitted to the EGLE website at:

— National Pollutant Elimination System Wastewater Permit Application

— Part 303 and Part 325 Applications

As part of the effort to keep the public informed, EGLE has also partnered with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority (MSCA) on the state’s Line 5 in Michigan website.

Under Michigan law, EGLE is the regulatory agency responsible for environmental permitting for the tunnel project, while the MPSC has siting authority for pipelines that carry crude oil and petroleum products. Housed within MDOT, the MSCA is responsible for overseeing construction and operation of the proposed tunnel. MSCA would own the tunnel after its construction and provide independent oversight throughout its life.