Army Corps report warns of permanent wetland and cultural impacts from Line 5 tunnel - Detroit Metro Times

A proposed oil pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac would result in permanent damage to wetlands and culturally significant areas, according to a US Army Corps of Engineers report. The study concludes that Enbridge's preferred alternative will permanently harm the natural environment during construction.

Experts warn that if not blocked by regulators, Line 5 - an oil pipeline operating beneath the Straits of Mackinac - poses serious threats to environmental sustainability and Indigenous cultural heritage. A recent US Army Corps of Engineers' report highlights the potential risks of a catastrophic oil spill in the area where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet.

Sean McBrearty, campaign coordinator for Oil & Water Don't Mix, stated that the Army Corps' findings undermine support for the tunnel. The group opposes the pipeline citing concerns over permanent environmental damage and impacts on Indigenous cultural practices.

The US Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing to determine whether a long-standing lawsuit by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel should be heard in federal or state court. If decided in favor of the AG, it could potentially halt construction of the Line 5 tunnel project.

Construction of the pipeline is expected to have significant environmental impacts and damage to cultural resources associated with Anishinaabe tribal nations. The proposed tunnel will result in permanent wetland destruction and alteration of geological resources beneath the Straits of Mackinac.

Critics are now calling on state regulators to block the Line 5 tunnel project.

just read about this new info on Line 5 pipeline... it's super worrying! if not stopped, the damage to wetlands and cultural sites could be permanent . experts say it's gonna harm environmental sustainability & indigenous cultures too . we need to take care of our planet & its people before it's too late . anyone else following this? https://www.washingtonpost.com/poli...ists-protest-expansion-federal-court-hearing/

omg this is so sad the thought of damaging those beautiful wetlands and cultural sites is heartbreaking I'm literally thinking about all the animals that would be affected by a spill and it's just devastating we need to do everything in our power to stop this from happening let's keep spreading awareness and supporting organizations like Oil & Water Don't Mix who are fighting for our planet's future

I'm so concerned about this pipeline situation ... I mean, think about it, a permanent damage to wetlands and culturally significant areas is just unacceptable . The fact that Enbridge's preferred alternative will harm the environment during construction is not exactly reassuring . And what's up with the US Army Corps of Engineers report? I don't know about you guys, but it seems like they're saying the opposite thing to what we want to hear .

I'm also kinda worried about the potential risks of an oil spill in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. It could be huge . And the US Supreme Court scheduling a hearing on this lawsuit is a good sign, I guess . Maybe it'll block construction and save the environment for once .

I'm not sure what's going on with the Indigenous cultural heritage and wetland destruction, but it can't be ignored . We need some state regulators to step in here and say "nope, we're not allowing this" .

This is a classic case of "prosperity vs protection" . On one hand, we have the economic interests of the energy industry and the state of Michigan wanting to move forward with this pipeline project. On the other hand, we have environmentalists and Indigenous communities fighting for their rights and way of life. It's a David vs Goliath situation, where the mighty might be brought down by the power of grassroots activism .

I think it's time for us to ask ourselves: what kind of values do we want to uphold in our society? Do we prioritize short-term gains or long-term sustainability? It's not just about the pipeline, it's about setting a precedent for how we balance economic development with environmental and social responsibility . I'm all for regulations that protect our natural resources and ensure fair treatment for all stakeholders . Let's hope state regulators take this opportunity to put people over profits .

I'm not buying it... or should I say, I'm not buying a pipe dream . This study from the US Army Corps of Engineers better be backed up with some solid evidence, 'cause if it's just some flimsy report, then Enbridge is gonna get away with ruining the Straits of Mackinac . I need to see the source of this report, and not just a summary or an interview with a campaign coordinator . What makes Sean McBrearty think he's an expert on environmental science? And what's with the US Supreme Court hearing? Are they even considering all the facts here? This whole thing smells like a lobbying battle to me . Where's the transparency and accountability in this process?

Can you imagine having a pipeline running beneath two of Michigan's biggest lakes?! It's crazy that it could potentially harm the wetlands and cultural sites there . I mean, we're talking about permanent damage and destruction here - it's just not worth it. The scientists have spoken out against it and now the US Supreme Court is stepping in to weigh in on whether it can even happen . If those Indigenous Anishinaabe tribal nations are saying their cultural practices could be impacted... well, that should give some folks pause . Let's hope regulators step up and block this before it's too late .

This oil pipeline thing is getting out of hand I mean, think about it - these people want to go ahead with building a pipe under the Straits of Mackinac, knowing that it's gonna hurt all the wetlands and cultural sites there? It just doesn't add up, you know? Like, what's the point of preserving our natural resources if we're just gonna ruin them in the name of some corporate profit . And don't even get me started on the Indigenous communities - their practices and traditions are being threatened by this pipeline, it's just not right. I think we need to take a step back and rethink our priorities as a society.

omg this is so worrying... can't believe they're even considering building a pipe that's gonna ruin an entire ecosystem . i mean, what if there's a spill and it just keeps spreading out across the lakes? it'd be catastrophic for the fish and all the other wildlife that calls those waters home. plus, think about all the indigenous cultural sites they're gonna trample on - it's like, our history is literally being buried under concrete . need to keep an eye on this one, fingers crossed regulators step in

omg this is getting serious! i mean, what's the point of progress if we're just gonna destroy our planet? i'm not saying it's a done deal or anything but the army corps report is super concerning... permanent damage to wetlands and cultural sites?! that's like, a no-brainer. and the us supreme court thingy is a big deal too, like what if michigan wins? would really make a difference. can't wait for this to get settled and hope our leaders are listening!

This pipeline thingy gotta be stopped ASAP! Wetlands and Indigenous cultural sites getting destroyed is no joke . Permanent damage? That's a hard pass from me . The US Army Corps of Engineers report is saying it loud and clear: this project is a recipe for disaster . We can't just ignore the consequences of our actions, you feel?

It's time to listen to the experts and put people over profits . The Indigenous communities have been raising voices about this issue for ages . It's high time we take their concerns seriously . I'm all for a hearing in federal court - let's get to the bottom of this .

We need more transparency and accountability from our state regulators . The line 5 tunnel project is a ticking time bomb, and we gotta defuse it . Let's work together to protect our environment and cultural heritage . This pipeline has gotta go !

OMG this is like so sad for our environment!!! I'm literally shaking thinking about those beautiful wetlands getting destroyed . And can you even imagine what will happen if there's an oil spill? It's just not right, we gotta do something to stop this! The US Army Corps of Engineers report is like super clear about the dangers, so it's crazy that some people are still supporting this project . We need to stand with our Indigenous brothers and sisters who are fighting for their cultural heritage too . This lawsuit thingy might just be what we need to halt this pipeline construction and save our Straits of Mackinac Fingers crossed the US Supreme Court will listen to reason!

idk why ppl r getting so worked up over this pipeline thingy . like, we gotta consider all sides, right? Enbridge's been working on this for ages & they're trying to modernize our energy infrastructure . I mean, the US Army Corps' report is basically saying that one possible outcome could be a spill... but that's always a possibility with any major project .

it's also important to remember that there are people on both sides of the argument - folks who think it's a great idea for economic growth & those who think it's an environmental disaster . I'm not saying the environmental concerns aren't valid, but let's not forget the bigger picture here .

the US Supreme Court's decision could be a game-changer, but it's also possible that they'll just make the pipeline more 'safe' . either way, it's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out .

I'm really worried about this pipeline project . I mean, can't we think about the future for our kids and grandkids? The thought of permanent damage to those wetlands and cultural significant areas is just devastating . And what's with all the risk of oil spills? It's like, we're not learning from history here . I know some people might say "what about the economy?" or "it's a job creator"... but come on, we need to prioritize our planet over profits . I've seen those documentaries on the Anishinaabe tribal nations and their connection to that land... it's heartbreaking . We gotta take action now, not just let the politicians decide .

OMG, I'm literally so worried about this pipeline ! I mean, can you even imagine what would happen if it bursts? It's not just the environment that's at risk, but also our Indigenous friends who have a deep connection with the land and water . And wetlands are like, super important for biodiversity and all that jazz . I think we need to do something ASAP to protect those areas. I'm really rooting for Dana Nessel's lawsuit – fingers crossed she wins in federal court . We can't let this happen! The thought of permanent damage is just too scary .

omg this is so sad!! they're gonna hurt those beautiful wetlands & cultural sites what's wrong with using renewable energy sources like solar or wind instead? ️ we should all be supporting sustainable projects over fossil fuels! the thought of a catastrophic oil spill is just terrifying hope the US Supreme Court decides in favor of Michigan AG Dana Nessel, it could really make a difference

omg i cant believe this!!! Enbridge is literally destroying our planet theyre putting profits over people & the environment for once we should be so proud of our AG Dana Nessel who's fighting for us I dont care what the SC says, Line 5 has to go!!! our wetlands are precious not disposable We cant let Enbridge get away with this

Can't believe we're even having this conversation. Like, who thought it was a good idea to build an oil pipeline in one of the most biodiverse places in the country? I mean, I get it, energy is important and all that, but can't we just, like, find alternative solutions that don't involve destroying entire ecosystems? The fact that experts are warning us about permanent damage to wetlands and cultural significance areas is just, well, alarming. And now the US Supreme Court is getting involved? Like, finally! We need some serious oversight on this one. I'm not exactly sure what's more concerning - the potential environmental disaster or the fact that we're still debating whether it should happen in federal or state court

I'm so worried about this pipeline thingy . I mean, can you imagine if all that oil was spilled in the water? It'd be a disaster for the environment and the wildlife . And those wetlands? Destroyed forever . I've seen pics of the Straits of Mackinac and it's like a beautiful natural wonder . We gotta protect it, you know? The US Army Corps is saying that the tunnel will harm the environment during construction... what even is that supposed to mean? Just make something safer for our planet, you know? And those Indigenous cultural practices? They're gonna be ruined if we let this pipeline go through . We need to keep an eye on this and hopefully the Supreme Court can block it before it's too late .

I'm so worried about this oil pipeline thingy . Can't we just use renewable energy sources already? I mean, I know it's gonna cost more upfront but think about all the damage that'll be done to those wetlands and cultural sites . It's like, what are we even doing here?! We should be investing in sustainable solutions, not harming our environment for short-term gains . And what about the Indigenous communities? They're already facing so many challenges, do we really need to risk their heritage too? I'm all for blocking this project and finding alternative ways forward .