Overview
- Federal approval covers construction activities for Enbridge’s $450 million plan to build a new 41-mile segment in Ashland and Iron counties to replace the portion crossing tribal land.
- The project would cross nearly 200 waterways and temporarily affect about 101 acres of wetlands, including drilling under the White River, according to the Corps’ review.
- Enbridge says it will not begin work until Wisconsin’s permits are confirmed, following a recent contested case hearing that now awaits an administrative law judge’s decision.
- The Bad River Band and environmental groups oppose the reroute, arguing it violates tribal water quality standards, while supporters cite regional energy supply, jobs, and economic benefits.
- The Wisconsin reroute is separate from the proposed tunnel for the Straits of Mackinac segment in Michigan, which remains under state and federal review after the Corps flagged significant environmental risks.