350 Wenatchee Climate Conversations NCW

Enbridge drilling mud spills persist. Water protectors resist.

After weeks of obscuring the data, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency finally revealed that Enbridge has spilled drilling mud and polluted water at more than half of the water bodies they have bored under to build Line 3. In 28 total “frac-outs” Enbridge spilled more than 10,000 gallons of drilling mud and chemicals, threatening the health of Minnesota’s wetlands, rivers, and streams. (“MPCA: Line 3 drilling fluid spilled into wetlands,” MPR).

Water protectors know that these spills, known as frac-outs, are just a small preview of what is to come should Enbridge have its way.

So water protectors continue to resist and face arrest for violating the law, when in fact, as Winonaa LaDuke points out in a recent NYTimes interview, “they’re the ones who committed the crime;” and their efforts are not in vain. Last week, The Giniw Collective led an action that shut down construction at two worksites. Water protectors with Camp Migizi halted construction near Gowan, Minnesota.

There is still litigation pending to challenge the project. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is under legislative scrutiny over drilling accidents and water issues.

Demand for a federal Environmental Impact Statement on Line 3 is growing. Celebrities, musicians, artists, youth, activists and allies from all over are raising their voices in unison to demand an end to this pipeline.

Even though people are waking up, we know we can’t stop there. As earlier this month, with the extension of the #EvictionMoratorium when Cori Bush said enough is enough, we know what can happen when even one person decides to take a stand. We must #StopLine3.

Come North.

More than anything, need more bodies on the frontlines. Check out StopLine3.org/hub and find directions to each camp.

Events:

August 17th: Salsa Tuesdays, Park Rapids
August 18th: Water is Life Concert w/Bon Iver, Duluth
August 21st: Stop Line 3 Ceremonial Gathering, Washington D.C.
August 23rd: Shut Down DC, Washington D.C.
August 25th: Treaties Not Tar Sands, MN State Capitol
August 27th: Water Protector Defense Fund Fundraiser, St. Paul

Ready to do More?

Add your original content to Soapboxx, a powerful tool used by many activist communities that allows water protectors to upload original content and stories about about Line 3 for the world to see. This content can be used on social media, for original video production, and even news pitching purposes. Get your story out about why we need to Stop the Line 3 pipeline.