#Line5 #pipeline construction crews breach #Wisconsin #aquifer
The #BadRiverBand: ‘We’ve been worried about is exactly this’
by Amelia Schafer, October 5, 2026
MILWAUKEE, Wisc. — "Construction on a controversial #OilPipeline rerouting project in northern Wisconsin breached an #UndergroundAquifer last week, marking a second #environmental incident in 30 days.
" #Enbridge, the company operating the pipeline known as Line 5, reported construction crews breached an aquifer under the #MarengoRiver in the Wisconsin Northwoods on Sept. 26 during the installation of a new pipeline segment.
"Line 5 is a 645-mile long pipeline carrying #CrudeOil from #SuperiorWI to #SanariaON, Canada. Twelve miles of the pipeline fall inside of the Bad River Band of #LakeSuperiorChippewa Indians Reservation. The company began a 41-mile rerouting project around the reservation in late 2025.
"The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources informed the tribe of the breach two days after it happened, tribal leaders said.
"The breach last month followed a spill of over 1.3 million gallons of natural gas liquids from the pipeline in August and lawyers and leaders from the Bad River Band are demanding accountability – and for the project’s permits to be revoked.
" 'The [Department of Natural Resources] needs to take Enbridge to court now,” said Johnny Petoskey, a Senior Associate Attorney for non-profit #EarthJustice representing the Bad River Band. “They don’t have to wait. …There can be more action and more decisive action on the part of DNR, but so far, they have continued to only show interest in (a) conciliatory approach … and the tribes are the ones that suffer.'
"The Wisconsin DNR did not immediately respond to request for comment."
#NoLine5 #Line5Pipeline #NoPipelines #IndigenousNews #WaterIsLife #BigOil