Source: Devon Young Cupery
DNR investigating groundwater release along Enbridge Line 5 reroute near Marengo
The agency says it has not yet determined whether the release was caused by an aquifer breach.
Oct 5, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
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A groundwater release occurred last week along Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute project near the Marengo River in Ashland County.
Enbridge spokesperson Juli Kellner addressed the incident in a statement, saying the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has been notified.
“A flow of water was observed following the direct installation of pipe beneath the Marengo River. The observation was reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR); agency representatives have visited the site,” Kellner said.
Kellner said there has been no flooding and no reported environmental impacts to drinking water wells or waterbodies.
Enbridge is working with the DNR and other engineering and environmental specialists to determine next steps.
“The water flow continues to be monitored, contained, and managed,” Kellner said.
The DNR is also monitoring the release and says it is still working to determine its source.
“The site hydrology is complex, and at this time, it is unknown if this event is caused by an aquifer breach. However, for comparison, the measured flow rates for this incident are approximately 5% of the flow rates measured in confirmed aquifer breach events on similar projects in other states,” a DNR spokesperson said.
“The DNR is continuing to monitor the situation and is working with Enbridge to further characterize the specifics of the site’s subsurface hydrology, including installing groundwater monitoring wells this week, to confirm the source of the release and determine whether there are adverse impacts to groundwater,” the spokesperson said.
Earthjustice, which represents the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, criticized Enbridge following the release. In a statement to Civic Media, Attorney John Petoskey called on the DNR to take enforcement action.
“The Bad River Band said this would happen, and now it has,” Petoskey said. “Enbridge has gone rogue in north Wisconsin. Their lawless behavior speaks for itself. Wisconsin DNR ought to grow a spine and use their full enforcement authority to protect Wisconsin’s waters and hold Enbridge accountable.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include new information from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources about the groundwater release.
Maddie Schaffer is a reporter at WBZH and WHSM, covering the Hayward area and surrounding areas in the Northwoods. Email her at maddie.schaffer@civicmedia.us.
