‘Nothing but counter-factual speculation’: Enbridge on Line 5 Opposition

The Indigenous group’s efforts to shut down the international Line 5 pipeline have been met with strong resistance from Enbridge Inc. of Alberta.

Concerned that spring flooding may cause the pipeline to burst on their land, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is asking a federal judge in Wisconsin to issue a court order shutting the pipeline.

However, Enbridge claims the band is exaggerating the danger in recent court documents, which they refer to as “counter-factual speculation.”

The company argues that the band has not demonstrated that the current conditions increase the probability of a rupture.

The band claims that the erosion at the spot where the pipeline will cross the Bad River, which flows into Lake Superior, is so serious that it represents an “imminent threat” to the ecosystem.

Judge William Conley of the district court will hear the band’s request for an immediate injunction on Thursday.