Line 5 WSRP receives permits from the State of Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued its Section 401 Water Quality Certification and state permits for the Line 5 Segment Relocation Project on November 14, 2024.
This is a major step towards construction for the project, which will keep affordable and reliable energy flowing to Wisconsin and the Great Lakes Region.
More about the Line 5 Wisconsin Segment Relocation Project
Line 5 was built to remove large oil tanker ship traffic from Lake Superior and the proposed relocation project will move a segment of the pipeline further inland. The project will create 700 family-supporting union construction jobs, and millions in local project spending. An estimated $46 million will be spent specifically with Native-owned businesses and on training and hiring Native American workers, who will make up 10% of the project workforce.
Our focus is on being prepared to build an outstanding project safely and as soon as reasonably possible. Except for federal approvals, we are ready to go.
Project checklist
| Status | Project Milestone |
|---|---|
✔ |
Project route/landowner agreementThe DNR has studied the proposed route and agrees the 41-mile route is the least impactful to the environment, while protecting natural and cultural resources. Agreements signed with 100% of landowners along the route. |
✔ |
Application for permitsEnbridge applied for permits for the project in early 2020. |
✔ |
Project labor agreement/Wisconsin contractorIn 2020, a letter of agreement was signed with Wisconsin contractor Michels Corp. along with a project labor agreement with the pipeline trades for the construction of the segment relocation project. The project will create over 700 family-supporting union jobs, and millions of dollars in construction spending in local communities. |
✔ |
State Section 401 Water Quality Certification/PermitsA permitting process involving nearly five years of public input, expert study and rigorous review, has resulted in thorough and comprehensive permits and a project that is good for Wisconsin’s environment and economy. |
Federal permitsNow that the DNR has issued its 401 Water Quality Certification, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) can move forward with completing its permitting process. |
What is next for the project?
After five years of public and expert input, study and review, we have permits from the state of Wisconsin. On the federal level, permitting continues to move forward. The Corps public comment period on their environmental assessment of the project closed at the end of August.
Now that the DNR has issued its Section 401 Water Quality Certification, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can move forward with completing its permitting process. Construction will begin as soon as all necessary permits and approvals are received.
Local trades union workers are ready to get to work on the project as they keep their skills sharp and their hopes high that they can get to work, close to home, soon.
What should I do if I want to work on the Line 5 segment relocation project?
We’ll have more information at construction fairs planned at our Ashland office as we get closer to construction.
Have more questions?
You can bring your questions to Enbridge’s Ashland office located at 1802 Lakeshore Drive East during our Open Office Events on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
