Open letter to the members of the Bad River Band: How we know Line 5 is operating safely
December 2023
All monitoring data confirms Line 5 is operating safely. Enbridge closely watches Line 5 and the Bad River, with 24/7, 365-days-a-year pipeline monitoring by our control center, plus remote cameras, drone flights, aerial patrols and in-person inspections.
We regularly inspect Line 5 internally. Inline inspection (ILI) tools use advanced sensor technology to check for dents, corrosion, movement or cracks. The tools are able to identify and report features invisible to the human eye for follow up and maintenance.
We use inspection data and detailed risk models to confirm our pipelines are safe and to continually refine and advance pipeline science and practice. We rigorously check the quality, accuracy and effectiveness of our inspection, monitoring and maintenance programs using independent audits, and reviews by industry peers and external experts.
Below is a summary of the 27 inline inspections from 2003 through 2023 run through the section of the Line 5 pipe operating on the Bad River Reservation.
| Year | # of ILI inspections |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 27 |
What is the safety record of Line 5 specifically on the Bad River Reservation?
There has never been a spill from Line 5 on the Bad River Reservation.
Would the proposed erosion control project improve safety of Line 5 on the Bad River Reservation?
Yes. Reinforcing the riverbank of the Bad River near the Line 5 pipeline at what’s known as the Meander would control erosion and help keep the pipeline covered and supported by soil as it is now.
Artist’s rendering of tree reinforcement with branches as proposed.
Would the Line 5 Relocation Project keep Line 5 operating safely?
Yes. The proposed Line 5 Segment Relocation Project would remove the pipeline from the reservation while preserving energy security for millions of people.
Let’s talk about solutions and keep Line 5 operating safely.
Together with the leadership of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa, we can still come to an agreement that benefits all parties and keeps Line 5 operating for Wisconsinites and the millions of people who depend on it for energy.
We don’t intend to operate on the Bad River Reservation a day longer than it takes to finish the relocation.
In the meantime, we are prepared to make substantial payments to the Band and its members far and above the sums ordered by the court—funds that could be used for other priorities, like housing, health care, or water treatment. We want simply to control erosion at the Meander and operate Line 5 safely while the relocation project is completed.
We’re open to conversations!
Email questions to enbridgeinwi@enbridge.com or learn more about the Line 5 segment relocation at enbridge.com/L5Wis.
Tom Schwartz
SVP Liquids Pipelines,
Enbridge Strategic Projects and Partnerships
