What's happened
Enbridge Energy is addressing a significant oil spill from its Line 6 pipeline in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, discovered on November 11. The company reported that approximately 1,650 barrels of crude oil leaked due to a faulty connection, with cleanup efforts currently removing impacted soil. The spill coincides with regulatory approvals for a controversial pipeline reroute.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Enbridge reported that the spill was caused by a faulty connection on a pump transfer pipe, with about 60% of the contaminated soil already removed. Enbridge spokesperson Juli Kellner stated, 'Investigation and remediation began immediately upon discovery and continues.' Meanwhile, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has filed a lawsuit against the state Department of Natural Resources, arguing that the agency failed to adequately assess the environmental impact of the pipeline reroute. Bad River Chairperson Robert Blanchard criticized the DNR's decision, stating, 'In my view, the DNR failed our children when it gave Enbridge the permits to build this reroute.' This reflects a broader concern about the implications of fossil fuel infrastructure in vulnerable ecosystems.
How we got here
The spill was identified during a period of heightened scrutiny over Enbridge's pipeline operations, particularly regarding the aging Line 5 pipeline. The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has been actively opposing Enbridge's plans to reroute this pipeline, citing environmental concerns.
Common question
-
What is the Bad River Tribe's lawsuit against Enbridge about?
The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has taken a significant legal step against Enbridge Energy, challenging the reroute of the Line 5 pipeline. This lawsuit raises important questions about environmental justice, indigenous rights, and the implications of energy infrastructure on local ecosystems. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this case and its broader impact.
-
What are the latest news stories about celebrities, politics, and crime?
Stay updated with the most recent headlines in celebrity gossip, political developments, and crime news. From Selena Gomez's relationship insights to significant political proposals and crime stories making waves, this roundup covers it all. Read on to find out more about these trending topics and their implications.
More on these topics
-
Enbridge Inc. is a multinational pipeline company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. It focuses on the transportation of crude oil and liquid hydrocarbons, primarily in North America.
-
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central, Midwest and Great Lakes regions of the country. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake S
-
The League of Women Voters is a civic organization in the United States that was formed to help women take a larger role in public affairs after they won the right to vote.
-
Dana Nessel is an American lawyer and politician who is the 54th Attorney General of Michigan. She is a member of the Democratic Party.
-
The Sierra Club is an environmental organization in the United States and in two U.S. Territories, namely Puerto Rico and Washington D.C.