The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued a formal notice of violation to Enbridge Energy Company on Oct. 13 for alleged violations at the Line 5 pipeline in Iron and Ashland counties. The notice covers violations of permit conditions for the Line 5 reroute construction project and unpermitted construction around the Saxon Line 5 spill site.
The alleged violations include breaches of state water quality, wetland, navigable waterway, air quality, storm water, and endangered resources protection laws. The violations covered a period from March 30 through Sept. 21, 2026, the DNR said.
A notice of violation is a formal letter outlining alleged violations and their potential consequences, including financial penalties. It typically sets an enforcement conference where the agency and regulated entity discuss the legal and factual aspects of the violations.
After the enforcement conference, the DNR can pursue additional enforcement action, including issuing citations and referring the case to the Wisconsin Department of Justice for prosecution. The DNR will continue reviewing incidents that occurred after Sept. 21 for potential additional enforcement action.
The violation notice is separate from Enbridge's cleanup obligations under state law for the spill. The company is responsible for investigating and remediating hazardous substances released into the environment from an Aug. 25 puncture of Line 5 that occurred during valve work on the existing pipeline.