Enbridge, state DNR assisting at site investigation near Ashland

Only a trace amount of product was found during scheduled system maintenance on Line 5, according to Kellner. 

Enbridge crews working Wednesday morning at a valve site in the Town of Gingles in Ashland County detected a small amount of product in the soil.

"Response crews were dispatched immediately to inspect the area, finding a trace amount of product, and as a precaution Line 5 was shut down. 

Local authorities and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) were notified.

"Yesterday crews continued to investigate the origin of the impacted soil, excavating around the valve and pipe, following our protocols and all regulatory requirements," Kellner said. "Safety is our number one priority at Enbridge."

Line 5 in northern Wisconsin provides a vital link to propane and other energy supplies for the upper Midwest.

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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is assisting with an investigation of soil suspected to be contaminated along Enbridge Line 5 south of Ashland.

On the evening of Aug. 3, Enbridge reported to the DNR that a contractor had encountered soil suspected to be contaminated near Old Airport Road and Holmes Road, approximately 1 mile west of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa reservation. Enbridge told DNR staff they believe the contamination was from a historical discharge and not an ongoing release.

Enbridge excavated and stockpiled all suspect material. DNR staff have been on site several times and have not observed any additional petroleum odors or soil staining. Enbridge will be required to submit documentation to the DNR of the actions taken to address the suspected contamination as well as documentation on the volume of soil that was excavated and where it was legally disposed.

Enbridge stated that they did not find an indication of a leak when the pipeline was shut down. They also stated that they slowly increased pressure to attempt to identify a leak and are now currently up to full pressure with no sign of a leak or alarm.

The investigation is ongoing. No further details are available at this time. The DNR will share additional information online as it becomes available via the DNR's Bureau for Remediation and Redevelopment Tracking System (BRRTS).