The Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline running through northern Wisconsin is an important conduit to getting fuel to refineries across the upper Midwest and Canada. It transports about 23 million gallons of crude oil and natural gas liquid per day, and that energy goes to heat homes and power vehicles. Today, Enbridge is undergoing the process to relocate the pipeline to go around the Bad River Reservation instead of through it.
Paul Meneghini, the manager of community engagement with Enbridge, says the project was initiated at the request of the Bad River Reservation. Currently, Line 5 traverses about 13 miles as it crosses West to East across the Bad River Reservation in northern Wisconsin. He says the project proposes about 41 miles of new pipeline to go south around the reservation. The Wisconsin DNR is in the process of working on a final permit for the project.
“We have reached agreements with 100 percent of the private landowners on that proposed reroute segment, so we have great relationships with our landowners. They’re usually our biggest supporters,” Meneghini says.
He notes the pipeline will disrupt agricultural land for a short period. It doesn’t take land out of production permanently.
“I think one of the benefits of a pipeline is it’s underground. So obviously there’s a short term disruption to agricultural land during year one of construction,” he says. “But again, we do compensate, especially those land owners, for a 100 percent loss of crop in year one during construction where they’re not able to plant and subsequently harvest over our construction footprint.”
Another typical agreement with ag landowners is a five year payment plan for any drop in yield off that land until the crop yield on the easement is similar to off.
“Pipelines and farmland really do coexist quite well together over time,” Meneghini says.
Enbridge does not know the timing of any permits. But it stays ready for when the permits come through.
“We have the pipe ordered. It’s stored here outside of Superior,” he says. “And again, once those permits are in hand, we’ll be ready to start construction.”
Enbridge has selected its contractor, Michaels Corporation, which is headquartered in Brownsville. It has also entered into a project agreement with four different pipeline trades in Wisconsin. Enbridge is estimating 700 direct construction jobs as a result. Meneghini sites an economic study that the project will add about $135 million to the state economy, and $6.5 million in property taxes as a result of the new infrastructure. Enbridge has made a commitment that $50 million will be spent with tribes and tribal businesses.
While the relocation project will not add any additional capacity or space on Line 5, it will keep the active pipeline operating safely for more decades to come during a time where the supply chain is fragile, he says.
“Pipelines are proven to be the safest way to transport and the most economic way to transport these large amounts of energy that we rely on every day,” Meneghini says. “If you take a pipeline out that has been safely operating for decades, the alternatives traditionally are rail or truck. Obviously, more fossil fuels are consumed in the transportation of that energy because those vehicles burn more fuel. But also, it really can encumber our roads and our rails, which traditionally the ag community has relied upon to transport their goods to market.”