The DNR introduced it has accepted permits for the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline relocation, angering tribal members and spurring threats of authorized motion from environmentalists.
Enbridge is looking for to relocate a 12-mile phase of Line 5 and construct a brand new 41-mile phase exterior the Unhealthy River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa reservation. The proposal got here after a federal choose dominated in 2022 Enbridge had illegally trespassed on the tribe’s land.
Enbridge will nonetheless want one other allow accepted by the U.S. Military Corps of Engineers to start the challenge, and DNR in its launch famous the company could require further permits or approvals.
Following yesterday’s announcement, the Wisconsin Jobs and Power Coalition, a gaggle of labor unions, enterprise teams and agricultural organizations, hailed the choice. The coalition has warned shutting down Line 5 may result in propane shortages within the area and vital worth will increase.
Wisconsin Propane Gasoline Affiliation Government Director Cheryl Lytle famous propane suppliers within the state have been ready greater than 4 years for DNR to evaluation the challenge.
“We’re grateful for the Wisconsin DNR’s diligence and hopeful our state can now keep away from the availability and worth shock closing down Line 5 would have on the 280,000 households, farms and companies that rely upon propane for warmth and gasoline,” Lytle stated.
However the Unhealthy River Band and environmental teams blasted the choice as a menace to the setting. And Clear Wisconsin stated it’s contemplating a authorized problem to the permits.
“I’m indignant that the DNR has signed off on a half-baked plan that spells catastrophe for our homeland and our lifestyle,” Unhealthy River Band Chairman Robert Blanchard stated. “We’ll proceed sounding the alarm to forestall one more Enbridge pipeline from endangering our watershed.”
The Unhealthy River Band launch notes anticipated hostile impacts to the Kakagon-Unhealthy River Sloughs, “an internationally acknowledged mosaic of sloughs, bogs, and coastal lagoons that present a crucial stopover habitat for migratory birds and harbor the biggest wild rice mattress on the Nice Lakes.”
Sierra Membership – Wisconsin Chapter Director Elizabeth Ward referred to as the challenge a “pipeline-ticking time-bomb.”
“An oil spill within the Unhealthy River watershed can be catastrophic. You may’t drink oil. You may’t swim in oil or fish in oil,” Ward stated. “We’re dedicated to stopping Line 5, and we’re disillusioned that the DNR would enable a false resolution from an organization with a horrible observe file relatively than help the Unhealthy River Band and shield the 40 million individuals who depend on the Nice Lakes for protected consuming water.”
DNR accepted a wetland and waterway allow permitting Enbridge to “conduct particular construction-related actions that impression navigable waterways and wetlands,” with greater than 200 circumstances, in line with the company.
The opposite allow DNR accepted is a “Building Web site Storm Water Normal Allow” permitting Enbridge to “conduct land-disturbing building actions in accordance with the appliance for protection and related plans, together with particular plans for erosion management and water high quality safety.”