Enbridge aquifer breach occurs during Line 5 reroute in Wisconsin

An aquifer was breached on September 28 during Enbridge Energy’s drilling operations for the Line 5 pipeline reroute near the Marengo River in Wisconsin. According to Earthjustice, groundwater surfaced at a rate of 85 to 100 gallons per minute. Enbridge utilized vacuums to pump the water into trucks and is working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and environmental specialists to determine next steps.

Representatives from the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa have criticized the company, stating that Enbridge has repeatedly flouted regulations. Elizabeth Arbuckle, chairwoman of the Bad River Band, called for stricter state enforcement, noting that the bypass was being built in ceded Ojibwe territory.

This incident follows a series of environmental issues related to the Line 5 reroute project, which has seen eight releases of drilling fluids, known as frac-outs, since construction began earlier this year. The planned 41-mile reroute is designed to cross more than 180 Lake Superior tributaries, including the Bad River.