DNR issues permits for proposed Enbridge Line 5 relocation

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced Thursday, November 14 that they would be issues permits for Enbridge, Inc.’s proposal to replace a segment of its Line 5 liquid petroleum pipeline in Ashland and Iron counties. Specifically, the DNR will be issuing decision to issue an individual wetland and waterway permit with conditions and a convey coverage under the department’s Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) General Permit for Construction Site Storm Water.

The first permit allows Enbridge to conduct construction-related activities that impact navigable waterways and wetlands. This permit contains more than 200 conditions that must be followed by Enbridge to ensure the company complies with Wisconsin’s wetlands and waterway standards.

The second permit allows Enbridge to “conduct land-disturbing construction activities in accordance with the application for coverage and associated plans, including specific plans for erosion control and water quality protection.”

“Wisconsin farmers simply can’t do their jobs without the propane, diesel and gas made possible by pipelines like Line 5,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Brad Olson. “The issuance of the DNR’s Line 5 permits is a huge step forward for our state’s farmers and the hundreds of thousands of people that depend on our agricultural industry to feed their families.”

The Wisconsin Buildings Trade Council also issued a statement regarding the announcement.

“The Line 5 relocation project is a win for Wisconsin workers, Wisconsin families, and the Wisconsin economy,” said Wisconsin Building Trades Council Executive Director Emily Pritzkow. “In addition to creating over 700 union construction jobs, this project will ensure the energy our state’s families and economy need to survive continues to flow. Our members are committed to executing this project with the utmost craftsmanship and professionalism, and prioritizing safety every step of the way.”

Clean Wisconsin issued their own statement saying they are considering a legal challenge to the decision.

“Wisconsin law makes it clear that projects causing harm to our waters must meet a high bar to move forward,” says Clean Wisconsin attorney Evan Feinauer. “Given the enormous impacts that construction of this pipeline would cause, we are skeptical that the proposed project meets these legal standards.”

Line 5 has been in operation since 1953 and is part of an extensive network of petroleum transport pipelines owned and operated by Enbridge Energy. In its current state, the line line runs for 645 miles from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario, including a 12-mile segment that passes through the Bad River Reservation of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

“Enbridge is proposing to replace 20 miles of existing pipeline, including the 12-mile segment within the reservation, with 41 miles of new pipeline routed entirely outside the reservation’s border,” explained Greg Pils, DNR Bureau of Environmental Analysis and Sustainability Director.

The project does require approval from both the DNR and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before it can proceed.