April 06, 2026 [The Pipeline Technology Journal]- Crews have begun clearing trees for a new 41-mile segment of the Line 5 oil and gas pipeline in northern Wisconsin, marking a pivotal step in a $450 million project that has faced years of legal opposition from Indigenous groups and environmentalists.

The Canadian energy firm Enbridge launched the work in late February following an approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and successfully defending state permit in court.

The reroute was proposed six years ago after the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa sued to remove the pipeline from tribal lands, citing the risk of a catastrophic spill. The project involves a massive right-of-way cutting through Ashland and Iron counties.

According to Paul Eberth, Enbridge’s Midwest operations director, approximately 100 workers are currently staking the route, clearing timber, and conducting environmental monitoring. At its peak, the project is expected to employ 700 workers.

However, the Bad River Band and environmental advocates are making a final push to halt the project. Earthjustice, representing the tribe, has asked the Iron County Circuit Court to overturn state permits.

They argue the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) violated laws intended to protect wetlands and waterways.

“The pipeline goes against laws meant to protect water resources in perpetuity,” said John Petoskey, an attorney with Earthjustice.

The reroute will cross 186 waterways and impact roughly 101 acres of wetlands. Tribal members, such as Joe Bates, argue the construction threatens “manoomin,” or wild rice, and traditional medicinal plants harvested along the Mashkiiziibii, the “Medicine River.”

Enbridge maintains the line is a vital energy artery, transporting 23 million gallons of oil and natural gas liquids daily from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario.

The company warns that a shutdown would cause billions in economic losses and spike propane prices across the Midwest.

While a federal judge recently stayed an order to shut down the existing line to allow more time for the reroute, the legal battle remains intense, with Enbridge expecting to complete the project by April 2027.