Enbridge’s Line 5 oil pipeline cuts beneath the Great Lakes, stretching over 600 miles and crossing beneath the Straits of Mackinac. For decades, the pipeline has raised concerns because of its potential to spill oil and contaminate water for millions of Americans. This water is also a source of sustenance, culture and sovereignty for tribal communities.   

Now, Enbridge has a proposal on the table to build a new oil tunnel to replace a section of Line 5. The Canadian oil and gas company says this will address aging infrastructure.

In a statement emailed to WDET, Enbridge spokesperson Ryan Duffy said, in part, that “Enbridge is working with state and federal agencies to study and develop plans that will minimize and mitigate impacts to the natural environment, natural resources, cultural heritage and community priorities.”

Duffy said Enbridge “will build the Great Lakes Tunnel safely, in conformity with thorough safety and environmental reviews by permitting agencies.”

An executive order from the Trump administration could expedite the construction of this project.

But advocates argue that the construction of this new oil tunnel and potential leaks from it pose numerous threats, especially to tribal fishing rights and livelihoods.

Andrea Pierce, a member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and the policy director at Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition, is among the tribal activists speaking out against this project. She sat down with The Metro’s Robyn Vincent on the shores of Mackinac Island ahead of a rally protesting the proposed oil tunnel. 

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

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This story has been updated with a statement from Enbridge.

Enbridge is a financial supporter of WDET. Our newsroom observes a clear boundary between funders and editorial content, and we do not serve the agendas of those who support us.

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