- Enbridge (NYSE:ENB) endorses either an underwater tunnel or trench as possible alternatives to replace a section of its 65-year-old Line 5 pipeline that travels under a 4.5-mile stretch at the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac between Lakes Huron and Michigan.
- ENB says concrete-lined tunnel built as much as 100 ft. below the lake bed and 350 ft. below the surface would cost $350M-$500M and take 5-6 years to assemble, while an open-cut trench would prevent spills by constructing a second 36-in. outer pipe around a 30-in. energy pipeline while costing $250M-$300M and take 4-5 years to build.
- ENB says a proposed option of using horizontal directional drilling to push a pipe underground is not technically feasible.
- The company's report was required under an agreement between ENB and Michigan Gov. Snyder amid rising concern about the safety of Line 5, which has been the target of a campaign by environmentalists who want it shut down.
- Now read: Enbridge And Pembina May Soon Approve Major Pipeline Expansion
Original article