The Big Spill; Low Water

Cleanup in northern Wisconsin after what appears to be the biggest reported oil and gas pipeline spill in state history. Canadian oil giant Enbridge spilled more than a million gallons of hazardous natural gas liquids in Iron County, forcing evacuations in the area. It’s unclear whether other toxic chemicals like benzene and hydrogen sulfide were also released or what the impacts may be to Lake Superior or other nearby waterways.The Department of Natural Resources warning boaters to watch out for shallow waters. That’s because much of the state is experiencing some level of drought, with nearly 28% of Wisconsin in a severe drought. Low water levels could expose unmarked obstructions like stumps, rocks and sand bars. More than 20 counties across northern Wisconsin are facing extreme or severe drought conditions. Right now on the Defender podcast, a deep dive into what’s going on at the site of that Line 5 pipeline spill in the Northwoods. Listen at cleanwisconsin.org or wherever you get your podcasts.