Enbridge's Line 5 Pipeline Leaks Estimated $15M Worth of Natural Gas Liquids

An estimated $15.1 million gas leak occurred on Enbridge's Line 5 oil and gas pipeline in northern Wisconsin, according to a report filed by the company with federal regulators.

The leak, which happened in August, released around 33,000 barrels of natural gas liquids, including propane and butane. While most of it vaporized into the air, about 165 barrels were recovered using a vacuum truck.

The incident occurred when an unoccupied flatbed truck rolled into an open excavation site for a Line 5 valve project, puncturing the pipeline. Enbridge immediately shut down the pipeline within three minutes of the leak, but not before notifying field personnel first.

The company is facing criticism from environmental advocates and the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, who have called on Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to issue a disaster declaration and revoke permits for Enbridge's Line 5 reroute. The group points to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's call for removal of Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac as well as a new regulatory review of Michigan permits issued for Enbridge's tunnel project.