Starting August 12, a series of adjudicatory hearings will examine legal challenges to permits issued for Enbridge’s proposed 41-mile reroute of the Line 5 pipeline across the Bad River Reservation in northern Wisconsin. The proceedings will run through October 3, with multiple stakeholders presenting testimony and evidence.
The project seeks to replace a 12-mile stretch of the aging pipeline crossing the reservation. The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, alongside environmental groups, filed objections citing threats to wetlands, waterways, and culturally vital wild rice beds.
Opening statements and public testimony will be held at Northwood Technical College Conference Center in Ashland. Later hearings are scheduled at the Hill Farms State Office Building in Madison. Individuals wishing to speak in Ashland must register to do so on August 12.
From September 4–12, Midwest Environmental Advocates and Clean Wisconsin will bring their case in Madison. The Bad River Band will follow with testimony in Ashland the week of September 15–19. Enbridge will present on September 22–26 in Madison, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will offer arguments from September 29 to October 3.
Critics argue the pipeline’s relocation would trench across nearly 200 waterbodies and more than 100 wetlands, posing long-term environmental risk. They contend it violates tribal water quality standards and imperils wild rice beds central to the Bad River Band’s heritage and food system.
In contrast, Enbridge asserts the project is the most heavily studied pipeline proposal in state history. The company maintains that a thorough Environmental Impact Statement and public review process revealed manageable risks. Enbridge says the DNR identified mitigation measures that sufficiently limit environmental impacts and supports the agency’s decision to approve the permits.
An administrative law judge will oversee the adjudicatory process and decide whether to affirm or overturn the permit approvals. The outcome could set a precedent for future tribal sovereignty and environmental protection cases.
