Enbridge Line 3 replacement approved

Enbridge’s Line 3 replacement project required both a Certificate of Need and a Route Permit from the Public Utilities Commission, PUC. Thursday, June 28 the five member PUC approved both for the Calgary, Canada based company.

Most of the first two days were  focused on the need for the replacement of the pipeline. It was  built in the 1960’s and the life of the present Line 3 helped to make the decision to approve the permit. They have had to reduce the amount of oil going though the line as the line is corroding and cracking. The replacement line would  be made of thicker steel and modern technology that would make it safer. Once the new line is in place the old line would be retired.

It was an emotional day especially for PUC Chair Nancy Lange who broke down at one point as she said, “how would I feel if I woke up in five years and the line had leaked”. That is if they had denied the proposal to replace the line. They had to deliberate between replacing corroding infrastructure against future risks to water resources and the climate. They voted 5-0 to grant Enbridge the certificate of need and after more discussion on the route voted by a margin of 3-2 to approve the proposed pipeline route with one alteration to the Big Sandy Lake region in Aitkin and Carlton counties. That change moves the pipeline further from the lake, which is of cultural and historic importance to the Ojibwe bands.

It passes on the east side of White Earth Reservation and goes south of Park Rapids. From  there it goes east and is on the south side of both Leech Lake Reservation. It still does cross through areas where tribal members harvest wild rice. Line 3 currently crosses both the  Leech Lake and Fond du Lac Reservations. Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe has stated that it would rather see a new pipeline than the continued operation of the current Line 3, which crosses right through their land.

Enbridge’s will work with the Fond du Lac Band during the next two months to determine the path through or around the reservation. 

The environmental and tribal groups wanted an alternate route that would come closer to St. Cloud and then back up to Carlton connection for the line. But that would mean crossing the Mississippi River at a wider point. They can challenge the PUC decision in court.

The ruling will allow Enbridge to construct a $2.6 billion pipeline across northern Minnesota. There were however other conditions that include requirement of a corporate guarantee to cover any oil spills. 

Enbridge has been working for more than three years to get the project approved. The replacement pipeline will carry 760,000 barrels of oil per day, restoring Line 3 to its original capacity. Enbridge wanted to take a largely new route for the pipeline and leave most of the original 50-year-old pipeline in the ground unless landowners requested it be removed.

This is not the last step for Enbridge as the project will require other permits from the Department of Natural Resources, the Pollution Control Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers.

 

 

“The PUC’s decision to approve our preferred route with modifications is a good outcome for Minnesota and the result of listening carefully to stakeholders and an effective consultation process. We believe our route best protects the environment and has overwhelming support of communities.

“We want to thank the thousands of Minnesotans, including unions, farmers, small business owners, civic leaders and all others for their hard work in support of this critical project. We would also like to thank the PUC for their very thorough and well considered decision as well as all the state agencies and others involved in this process.”