Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline Relocation Project Clears Another Hurdle

The Enbridge Line 5 pipeline relocation project cleared another hurdle following the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ final environmental impact statement.

The controversial pipeline currently goes through the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation. Members of the Bad River Band sued Enbridge in 2019 to force them to remove the aging pipeline from their lands. In 2023, the company was given three years to shut down the parts of the pipeline that run through reservation land and pay the tribe over $5 million for trespassing.

Enbridge has now enacted plans to relocate the pipeline to go around the reservation rather than through it. Critics of the pipeline still say that it poses environmental concerns for the tribal lands even if relocated. They say even if there isn’t an oil spill, the pipeline could impact important plants and animal species in the ecosystem.

The DNR’s environmental impact statement says that after conducting a variety of tests the possibility of an oil spill or pipe failure is extremely remote. In a statement, Enbridge officials said “The project has been designed to avoid and minimize temporary construction impacts, and we believe the planned route is the best alternative.”

Enbridge’s statement also noted that they’ve already applied for permits on the project and reached agreements with private landowners along the new planned route. They say the project will bring in millions in construction spending and create good union jobs.

Enbridge plans to begin construction on the relocation project as soon as they receive all the necessary approvals and permits.