CALGARY, May 30, 2019 /CNW/ - Enbridge Inc. (TSX: ENB) (NYSE: ENB) (Enbridge or the Company) today addressed statements made yesterday by the Michigan Attorney General and Governor about our joint efforts with the State on the proposed construction of an underground tunnel that would ultimately house a replacement of the existing Line 5 pipelines across the Straits of Mackinac, which have always operated safely.
In recent meetings and in a letter to the Governor, Enbridge has reiterated its shared vision with Michigan of further reducing risk and how we believe constructing a tunnel to house the Straits pipelines is the most effective and timely way to remove the existing Line 5 while ensuring the critical energy needs of Michiganders are met. Enbridge has committed to construct the tunnel as quickly as prudently possible and to advance a number of additional protective measures while we construct the tunnel. Given the Attorney General's opinion that the previous administration tunnel authority is invalid, Enbridge engaged and has continued to engage the State about alternatives to address that concern.
Discussions with the State along with additional commitments from Enbridge mean we can get the tunnel under construction and complete sooner than previously anticipated. Assuming we are able to move through the permitting process without delay, we believe the tunnel can be under construction in 2021 and in service as soon as early 2024. As previously committed, operation of the current Line 5 would cease immediately following the placement into service of the replacement pipeline in the tunnel. Enbridge has also committed to provide additional safety measures surrounding its operation during that interim period while the tunnel is being permitted and constructed.
Line 5 continues to be a critical piece of infrastructure. It currently serves the propane needs of the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan, providing roughly 55 percent of the entire state's propane needs for heating homes while supporting agriculture and manufacturing needs. Michigan is also a net-importer of transportation fuels and Line 5 provides feedstock not just to the Detroit refinery but those in neighboring states that are critical to meeting the state's energy needs. These same refineries supply a large proportion of the aviation fuel at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, a vital contributor to basic transportation and the state's economy.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, pipelines are the safest way to move energy. It would take 2,150 tanker trucks – 90 leaving the terminal every hour, 24 hours a day – or more than 800 rail cars each day to deliver the amount of energy carried by Line 5.
Enbridge takes its responsibility to deliver vital products to Michigan communities and customers seriously, and is prepared to invest $500 million to build this tunnel solution.
Line 5 is safe and critical to Michigan and we therefore continue to operate it. As referenced in the attached backgrounder, independent analysis commissioned by the State of Michigan and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration have confirmed the safety of the existing pipeline. This includes an independent scientific study in 2017 that determined there are no feasible alternative routes for a new pipeline, and no better alternative mode of transporting the energy that Line 5 carries. Further, a State-commissioned report, Alternatives Analysis for the Straits Pipelines, concluded the risk of a release into the Great Lakes from a replacement pipeline built within the proposed underground tunnel would be "negligible" and "un-quantifiably low."
Notwithstanding the safety of Line 5, it is our view the tunnel represents a practical approach to meeting the state's energy needs while providing the people of Michigan with even greater protection of this crossing to as near zero risk as humanly possible. Moreover, Enbridge has undertaken numerous added measures that exceed regulatory requirements.
Geo-technical activities in support of the 2019 work plan necessary to preserve the 2021 construction start have commenced, with increasing commitments to contractors ramping up leading into the summer months. Enbridge is fully prepared to proceed with the 2019 program, necessary permitting and construction of the tunnel but it is awaiting the State's decision on supporting that path forward.
Line 5 was originally built to serve the energy needs of Michigan in a safe and reliable way and that objective remains today. We look forward to further collaboration with the state to ensure an orderly and diligent permitting process so that we can continue with design and construction planning for the Straits tunnel.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Forward-looking information, or forward-looking statements, have been included in this news release to provide information about the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, including management's assessment of Enbridge and its subsidiaries' future plans and operations. This information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as ''anticipate'', ''expect'', ''project'', ''estimate'', ''forecast'', ''plan'', ''intend'', ''target'', ''believe'', "likely" and similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking information or statements included or incorporated by reference in this document include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the proposed underground tunnel to house a replacement of the existing Line 5 pipelines ("Line 5"), including the benefits, risks, costs and timing thereof, the receipt of applicable permits and governmental, regulatory and other approvals, and other related matters such as additional protective measures and commitments.
Although Enbridge believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable based on the information available on the date such statements are made and processes used to prepare the information, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and readers are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. By their nature, these statements involve a variety of assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, levels of activity and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Assumptions regarding the expected supply of and demand for crude oil, natural gas, NGL and renewable energy, and the prices of these commodities, are material to and underlie all forward-looking statements, as they may impact current and future levels of demand for the Company's services. Similarly, exchange rates, inflation and interest rates impact the economies and business environments in which the Company operates and may impact levels of demand for the Company's services and cost of inputs, and are therefore inherent in all forward-looking statements. Due to the interdependencies and correlation of these macroeconomic factors, the impact of any one assumption on a forward-looking statement cannot be determined with certainty. The most relevant assumptions associated with forward-looking statements with respect to projects such as the replacement of Line 5, including estimated completion dates and expected capital expenditures, include the following: the impact of customer, government and regulatory approvals on construction and in-service schedules and cost recovery regimes; the availability and price of labour and construction materials; the effects of inflation and foreign exchange rates on labour and material costs; the effects of interest rates on borrowing costs; and the impact of weather.
Enbridge's forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to those risks and uncertainties discussed in this news release and in the Company's other filings with Canadian and United States securities regulators. The impact of any one risk, uncertainty or factor on a particular forward-looking statement is not determinable with certainty as these are interdependent and Enbridge's future course of action depends on management's assessment of all information available at the relevant time. Except to the extent required by applicable law, Enbridge assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made in this news release or otherwise, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to Enbridge or persons acting on the Company's behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.
About Enbridge Inc.
Enbridge Inc. is North America's premier energy infrastructure company with strategic business platforms that include an extensive network of crude oil, liquids and natural gas pipelines, regulated natural gas distribution utilities and renewable power generation. The Company safely delivers an average of 2.9 million barrels of crude oil each day through its Mainline and Express Pipeline; accounts for approximately 62% of U.S.-bound Canadian crude oil exports; and moves approximately 18% of all natural gas consumed in the U.S., serving key supply basins and demand markets. The Company's regulated utilities serve approximately 3.7 million retail customers in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick. Enbridge also generates approximately 1,600 MW of net renewable energy power in North America and Europe. The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol ENB.
Life takes energy and Enbridge exists to fuel people's quality of life. For more information, visit www.enbridge.com.
LINE 5 BACKGROUNDER AND TIMELINE
Line 5 Critical to Michigan's Energy Needs
- Line 5 continues to be a critical source of 540,000 barrels per day of propane and crude oil supply for Michigan and surrounding areas that make up the regional supply network for the State, producing transportation fuels and consumer goods, ranging from computers to clothing and cellphones.
- Line 5 serves an estimated 55 percent of the State's needs including approximately 65 percent of the propane used in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan, for which no viable alternatives exist.
- Line 5 supplies Michigan and regional refineries that provide Michigan with various fuels that Michigan residents rely on in their day-to-day lives. Refineries served by Line 5 supply a large percentage of the aviation fuel at Detroit's Metropolitan Airport, an important contributor to the State's economy.
- According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, pipelines are the safest way to move energy. It would take 2,150 tanker trucks – 90 leaving the terminal every hour, 24 hours a day – or more than 800 rail cars each day to deliver the amount of energy carried on Line 5.
Line 5 Can Operate Safely for Decades
- There has never been a leak at the Straits and a 2017 hydro-test of the Straits pipelines involving Michigan agencies, The Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard validated their continuing fitness. [LINK TO REPORT]
- Safety measures include the use of an extra heavy-wall thickness pipe; a robust cathodic protection system to prevent external corrosion; anchor devices to counter the effects of water currents; operation of the pipes at very low pressure – approximately 10 percent of tested capability and less than 25 percent of maximum operating pressure – in order to provide a safety factor well above that typical of pipelines; and regular inspections such as sophisticated in-line inspection tools, divers, and remotely-operated vehicles to confirm the integrity of the crossing.
- In 2016, experts contracted by the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) reviewed 20 years of Line 5 inspection data. [LINK TO REPORT] They found that no locations required additional attention in the Straits of Mackinac and that our current inspection frequency is appropriate.
Tunnel Makes Safe Pipeline Even Safer
- The concrete-walled tunnel is to be placed approximately 100 feet below the lake bed, reducing the risk of a spill in the Straits to zero. Enbridge would pay for the construction and operation of the tunnel.
- A State-commissioned report, Alternatives Analysis for the Straits Pipelines, [LINK TO REPORT] concluded the risk of a release into the Great Lakes from a replacement pipeline built within such an underground tunnel would be "negligible" and "un-quantifiably low."
Timeline
July 14, 2015
The Michigan Petroleum Pipeline Task Force delivers its report to the State which recommends the creation of the Michigan Pipeline Safety Advisory Board (PSAB).
September 3, 2015
Enbridge signs agreement to re-affirm its previous commitments to continue to not ship heavy crude through Line 5.
June 18, 2017
Enbridge completes a hydrotest of the Straits section of Line 5.
- The test, conducted to the same standards as when the Line was first built, confirms its continuing fitness.
October 26, 2017
The independent Alternatives Analysis for the Straits Pipelines Report [LINK TO REPORT], commissioned by the PSAB, is released.
- The Report's findings indicate there is no feasible alternative route for a new pipeline, and no better alternative mode of transporting the energy that Line 5 carries.
November 27, 2017
First Agreement with the State of Michigan.
- Enbridge agrees to prepare a report assessing the replacement of the dual pipelines.
- Also agrees to six other actions for protecting Michigan's water, including safety enhancements at other Line 5 water crossings, and replacing the Line 5 segment at the St. Clair River with a horizontal directional drill below the riverbed.
June 14, 2018
Enbridge releases a report on the feasibility of a Straits tunnel project. [LINK TO REPORT]
- Finds that a tunnel is feasible.
- Also in June Enbridge releases several additional reports including on these topics:
- Prevention of anchor strikes;
- Assessing new technology for leak detection.
October 3, 2018
Second Agreement with the State of Michigan.
- Enbridge agrees to explore future agreements to construct an underground tunnel to replace the Straits section of Line 5.
December 19, 2018
Third Agreement with the State of Michigan and Tunnel Agreement.
- Enbridge agrees to construct a tunnel under the lakebed in the Straits to contain a replacement section of Line 5.
May 21, 2019
On-shore rock and soil sampling work begins on the South shore of the Straits.
June 2019
Underwater rock and soil sampling work begins.
July 2019
Deep water rock and soil sampling work begins.
2020
Concurrent contracting with tunnel design/construction company and completion of final tunnel design.
2020
Procurement and construction of unique tunnel boring machine.
2020-2021
18 to 24 months anticipated to obtain all necessary federal, state and local permits.
Fourth quarter 2021
Boring and construction of the tunnel begins.
2021-2023
Approximately two years to bore and construct the tunnel at an anticipated average of 40 feet per day
First half 2024
Testing and commissioning of new Line 5 crossing at the Straits contained within the new tunnel.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Media
Michael Barnes
Toll Free: (888) 992-0997
Email: media@enbridge.com
Investment Community
Jonathan Gould
Toll Free: (800) 481-2804
Email: investor.relations@enbridge.com
SOURCE Enbridge Inc.
