Proposed Enbridge Energy Pipeline Crossing

On December 21, 2006, FOTSCH joined the River Alliance of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Wetlands Association in asking for a judicial review to challenge the DNR's determination that the proposed Enbridge Energy pipeline expansion that would cross various wetlands and rivers, including the St. Croix River at Gordon, poses no significant environmental impact.

The following text is from the DNR's Environmental Assessment of the proposed Enbridge Energy St. Croix River crossing using the wet-trench construction method (pp.62-63):

"The St. Croix River crossing [at Gordon] is proposed as a modified wet trench crossing (using sheet piling). This area (Gordon Wetland and St. Croix River Area) has provided many challenges for the Enbridge pipeline design team due to constraints such as the highway crossing, associated railway and railroad support and ATC power line. The River crossing design was similarly challenging.  Enbridge purports that the modified wet trench crossing is the most feasible alternative due to the technical and environmental constraints associated at this location."

The full text of the Environmental Assessment (EA) is available at the above link.  The November 27, 2006 revision changes the construction approach from drilled to wet trench.

A construction stay order was requested in Dane County court on January 29, 2007, but was not granted.

Next Step:

A hearing in Dane County to challenge the DNR's determination has been requested.  A date and time for the hearing has not yet been scheduled.