Madison, Wis – During Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hearing on the Line 5 relocation project, several Wisconsin labor leaders, tribal members and representatives from Wisconsin-based Michels corporation pushed for approval of the Enbridge Line 5 relocation project.
The diverse coalition of supporters testifying at the virtual hearing came on the heels of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials confirming that claims by the Bad River Band that the project will impact the Bad River Watershed are unsubstantiated.
The following statements were made during the hearing:
“The materials EPA reviewed did not provide data, studies or modeling analysis that showed and quantified impacts of distance from any given discharge point to water quality on the reservation, the likelihood of discharges, including discharges of pollutants traveling from groundwater to surface waters and then to the reservation boundary.” Tera Fong, Water Division Director for Region 5 with the Environmental Protection Agency. (As reported by Wisconsin Public Radio)
Additionally, an EPA slide noted during the hearing, “…the EPA concludes that neither the Band’s Objection Letter nor the other sources of information that EPA reviewed support the Band’s determination that discharges from the project will affect the quality of the Band’s waters so as to violate the Band’s water quality requirements…”
“While I understand the politics surrounding the Line 5 relocation project, it has become clear that efforts to stop this project have moved far beyond its actual construction, and into a national debate about our nation’s energy future. While I can appreciate the desire to transition energy sources, that is not the issue at hand in front of us. The issue is whether this project can be completed in a manner that protects our environment and waterways. To that end, I say yes it can.” Corey Gall, President of the Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association.
“…I and others have grave concerns the assertions made by the Tribe could have impacts well beyond the Line 5 project itself. Construction practices considered industry and regulatory best practices for environmental protection are cited as reasons by the Tribe for why this project should not proceed. Practices that are standard use all over this country, such as timber harvesting and replanting, responsible use of heavy machinery, and the use of devices such as timber matting, are all identified by the Bad River Band as reasons to deny project permits… While I understand much of the opposition to this project has taken a “throw it against the wall and see what sticks” approach to legal and regulatory objections, these claims not only do not match up with the Bad River Band’s own previous construction approvals, but they are practices the Band has been fine with for dozens of projects in the same area. This leaves the impression that these concerns are more based on their political views of the project than the construction methods themself. And while they are entitled to their political views, it is the job of the permitting process to determine if laws and regulations are being followed, not weigh the political arguments.” Chad Ward, business agent with the Teamsters Local 346 and pipeline representative for the Teamsters.
“It has been alleged that the use of timber matting and heavy machinery will increase discharge as a reason why water quality will be impacted. However, if you visit the EPA’s own webpage, titled, “Forestry Best Management Practices in Watersheds”, the EPA lists as a recommended technique the use of timber mats. The Wisconsin DNR, in their “Forest Management Practices Fact Sheet” states, “Wood mats provide surfaces that protect wetlands during hauling or forwarding operation”…In the last 5 years the Wisconsin DNR has issued stormwater permits to 123 projects in Ashland, Bayfield and Iron Counties. The Bad River Band itself has approved US Highway 2 improvements, the replacement of a bridge over the Bad River, and recently began work on the installation of an over eight-mile natural gas line for their Wellness Center. None of these projects would be possible under the standards suggested for the Line 5 relocation project.” Terry McGowan, President and Business Manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139.
