Judge Pauses Parts of Enbridge Line 5 Reroute in Wisconsin

A Wisconsin judge temporarily halted portions of Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute project tied to disputed waterway permits, while allowing most construction to continue.

A Wisconsin judge has temporarily blocked portions of Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute project in northern Wisconsin tied to disputed waterway permits, while allowing most construction activities to continue, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.

Bayfield County Circuit Court Judge John Anderson ruled that Enbridge may proceed with construction on most of the 41-mile reroute around the Bad River Band reservation, but work involving several river and stream crossings must stop until additional permits are secured.

The dispute centers on whether Enbridge has the legal authority to obtain permits for structures tied to certain waterways where the company does not own adjacent land. The judge said the permitting process tied to four crossings could face legal challenges.

The Bad River Band and environmental groups had sought to halt the entire project while litigation over state permits continues. However, the court declined to suspend all approvals associated with the reroute.

Bad River Tribal Chairwoman Elizabeth Arbuckle said the tribe viewed the decision as an important step toward protecting regional waterways and natural resources. According to Wisconsin Public Radio, the tribe plans to continue challenging permits tied to the project in court.

Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute project is intended to move a section of the pipeline outside tribal lands in northern Wisconsin following years of legal disputes surrounding the aging crude oil and natural gas liquids system.