Enbridge Inc. is expected to restart its Line 5 pipeline on September 12, 2026, following a recent natural gas liquids spill in Wisconsin. The company constructed a temporary 1,500-foot bypass around the release site in Iron County to bring the line back into service.
The restart is proceeding under contentious circumstances. On September 11, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ordered Enbridge to halt construction on the bypass, asserting the company had not received the required legal authorization for the work. The DNR Secretary expressed deep concern over Enbridge's "disregard for the environment, human health, and the statutory authority of the department."
Despite the DNR's directive and notice of noncompliance, Enbridge indicated it would proceed with the planned September 12 restart. This decision escalates the confrontation with Wisconsin regulators over what was reportedly the largest oil and gas spill in the state's history. No market reaction to this specific development was available.