DETROIT -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold an online public hearing from 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. Monday, December 7, 2020, to gather public comments on a permit request for a proposed Enbridge Line 5 pipeline tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac.
The online hearing and written comment period provide a second opportunity for the public to provide information for consideration in evaluating Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership’s permit application to construct a pipeline tunnel under the bed of Lake Michigan. Written comments are being accepted through December 17, 2020. The Corps’ initial public notice was issued May 15, 2020, and that comment period ended July 14, 2020.
A tunnel constructed under the Straits of Mackinac requires a Corps permit, and the Corps is reviewing the application under the authority of Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
The public hearing purpose is to acquire information which will be considered in evaluating the permit application and to afford the public an opportunity to present their views, opinions and information on the proposed permit action. Positive or negative comments about the project may be submitted. All written responses must refer to file number LRE-2010-00463-56-A19.
"The Corps will consider all comments presented orally during the December 7 hearing or received in writing through the December 17 deadline," said Regulatory Project Manager Katie Otanez.
The Corps will host the hearing through an electronic platform and by telephone. Participants may join the hearing using both audio and web connections or using audio only. Participants who wish to speak will have three minutes to comment. Those who pre-register by email to Line_5_LRE@usace.army.mil prior to December 7, 2020, will be called to comment first, followed by those who request to comment during the hearing. If time allows, commenters may supplement their initial comments for one additional three-minute period.
Pre-registration for the online hearing is not required, but Corps officials are requesting anyone wanting to attend email Line_5_LRE@usace.army.mil. The email should include the following:
-- Participant’s name
-- Organization (if any)
-- If they wish to comment at the hearing.
Those not pre-registering will have an opportunity to comment.
Public hearing attendance is not required to submit written comments -- they can be emailed to Line_5_LRE@usace.army.mil or submitted in writing, and postmarked by December 17, 2020, to:
Kerrie E. Kuhne
Chief, Permit Evaluation Western Branch
Regulatory Office
Corps of Engineers, Detroit District
477 Michigan Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48226-2550
The Corps has not yet prepared an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. The online public hearing will be held in accordance with the procedures in 33 CFR part 327.
The web and teleconference begins at 1 p.m. Eastern Time on December 07, 2020. You may join the conference 10 minutes prior to 1 p.m.
Step 1: Dial into the conference:
Dial-in: 888-251-2949 or 215-861-0694
Access Code: 6278042#
Need an international dial-in number? https://www.teleconference.att.com/servlet/glbAccess?process=1&accessNumber=8882512949&accessCode=6278042
Or:
Step 2: Join the conference on your computer via this link: https://ems8.intellor.com/login/835257
When you access the entry link above, you will be provided a choice -- to install the WebEx plug-in for your preferred browser or to join the web conference using a temporary path. Either option is acceptable.
Need technical assistance?
Audio Connection: 1-888-796-6118 or 1-847-562-7015
Web Connection: 1-888-793-6118
Any comments received will be considered in the Corps’ determination on whether to issue, modify, condition or deny a permit for this proposal. To make this decision, comments are used to assess impacts on endangered species, historic properties, water quality, general environmental effects and other public interest factors. Comments are used in the preparation of an environmental assessment, environmental impact statement or both, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. Comments are also used to determine whether the activity is contrary to the overall public interest.
The existing Enbridge Line 5 pipeline was constructed in 1953 to transport crude oil and natural gas liquids. Line 5 is 645 miles long in total, and transports products from Superior, Wisconsin to Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.
For a detailed project description see the Public Notice of May 15, 2020.
Editor's Note: For background see our July 8, 2020, article, "UPDATED: US Army Corps of Engineers seeks public comment on Enbridge permit application for proposed tunnel under Mackinac Straits; deadline extended to July 14."
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