Enbridge punches back on Line 5 challenge: ‘Nothing but counter-factual speculation’

May 17, 2023 | 7:55 AM

WASHINGTON — Alberta-based Enbridge Inc. is pushing back hard against an Indigenous band’s efforts to shut down the cross-border Line 5 pipeline. 

The Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa wants a federal judge in Wisconsin to order the pipeline closed, fearing a rupture on its territory due to spring flooding. 

But in new court documents, Enbridge says the band is overstating the risk and engaging in what the latest filings describe as “counter-factual speculation.” 

The company says even under current conditions, the chances of a rupture are miniscule and the band has not proven otherwise.