Army Corps approves Enbridge pipeline reroute near Bad River reservation

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved Enbridge Energy’s plan to reroute a section of its Line 5 oil pipeline around the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation, according to the Associated Press and ICT. The 41-mile reroute would replace 12 miles of existing pipeline that cross tribal land.

The Bad River Band and environmental groups oppose the project, arguing it threatens waterways and extends fossil fuel dependence. Enbridge called the federal approval “a major project milestone.” Rob Lee, staff attorney for Midwest Environmental Advocates, said the decision violates the Clean Water Act. A decision in the state permit challenge is expected later this year. Construction remains on hold until those permits are resolved, Enbridge spokesperson Juli Kellner said.