Wisconsin DNR Cites Enbridge for Major Pipeline Violations

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued a formal notice of violation to Enbridge Energy Company, Inc. on October 13, 2026, alleging a pattern of environmental non-compliance during the construction of a $1 billion Line 5 pipeline reroute in Iron and Ashland counties. The DNR cites seven categories of violations occurring between March 30 and September 25, including breaches of air and water quality, wetland protection, and endangered resources laws.

Central to the allegations is an August 25 incident near Saxon, where a subcontractor's truck rolled into a construction trench, causing a pipeline rupture. The leak released over 1.3 million gallons of natural gas liquids, marking the largest oil and gas pipeline spill in state history. The DNR further alleges that Enbridge constructed an unpermitted temporary bypass following the accident and committed 18 separate violations of waterways and wetlands permits.

While Enbridge is reviewing the notice and coordinating with regulators, the company is also facing a series of suspicious fires. A fire occurred on October 13 in White River, following two other incidents in mid-September that the FBI is investigating as sabotage. Enbridge has condemned these acts as criminal sabotage that endangers the community.

An enforcement conference is scheduled for October 26. Following this meeting, the DNR may refer the case to the Wisconsin Department of Justice for prosecution, with potential civil fines ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 per violation.