Enbridge plans to relocate a portion its assets Line 5 pipelineA drilling method that could be used in northern Wisconsin could result in the release of toxic chemicals into the water.
Horizontal Directional Drilling is a common way to build pipelines under water bodies. It can sometimes lead to “frac-outs,” which are drilling-fluid leaked.
Bobbi Rongstad from northern Wisconsin expressed grave concerns about the plans to use HDD Line 5. She said that the issue was very close to her heart, as the oil pipeline would pass under two streams on her property.
Rongstad stated that he used to work in the utility sector. “It’s a great way to shove a gas line under a sidewalk and not mess up somebody’s front yard.” But when they’re using 30-inch pipe and going 60ft under the river’s bottom, which is what’s being proposed, things can go wrong.
In an email to a Minnesota state senator about Enbridge’s similar, Line 3 project, the company acknowledged frac-outs are “a generally known and common risk,” but argued HDD is still the least environmentally-destructive method for laying new pipeline under bodies of water.
Rongstad agrees with this sentiment, however, she argued that the line should not be installed in areas around Lake Superior, as any leaks could have severe consequences.
Minnesota officials have reported that more than half of the 21 HDD crossings at Line 3 were in Minnesota. Polluted by drilling fluid.
Rongstad stated Wisconsin doesn’t have any significant HDD laws, but the Department of Natural Resources is accepting comments. Technical standards in draftThank you for your cooperation.
Rongstad stated that if the DNR could put more regulation on it, it would make me feel much better. “But they won’t be able that midstream. You know? The application is before them, and Enbridge will put pressure on them.”
Shannon Holsey, president of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, stated in an annual State of the Tribes Address last month, Line 5 Draft Environmental Impact StatementMany potential environmental effects are not taken into consideration.
Holsey stated, “Safeguarding these coastal wetlands and tributaries are critical to maintaining the deeply-rooted connection to nature and emotional well being in our cultural traditions.”
The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa sued Enbridge for causing the rerouting to be made. Take out the pipelineTheir tribal lands.
Tribal advocates claimed that the new route, which is 40 miles long, will still have an adverse impact on the tribe’s watershed. DNR is accepting comments until March 18 on Line 5’s Draft Environmental Statement, and March 28 on comments on HDD technical specifications.
