MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — A northern Wisconsin pipeline project clears another hurdle.
An administrative law judge last week upheld a Wisconsin DNR permit granted last year for the $450 million Enbridge Line 5 project. It allows for construction of 41 miles of new oil pipeline around reservation lands of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
An Enbridge spokesperson said Judge Angela Chaput Foy confirmed that the DNR made the right decision when it issued permits.
Bad River Band Chairwoman Elizabeth Arbuckle said the tribe is disappointed but not surprised by the decision and will appeal it. An attorney for Clean Wisconsin said despite the judge’s decision, the reroute poses significant long-term risks to wetlands, waterways, and treaty-protected resources.