Enbridge Line 3 Replacement discussed;

“Thank you for all your support regarding the pipelines, including Sandpiper. I love Clearwater County,” she expressed to the Commissioners, to which the Commissioners responded with their thanks from Clearwater County to Enbridge as well. 

She discussed right-of-ways, impact on the economy, and the Enbridge safety efforts through continuous maintenance carried out on their pipelines. 

How crude oil is “Fueling Summers” for families who live and vacation here was another key point made in her presentation. 

Ms. Maleitzke says, “Crude oil fuels tourism for families on vacation. That would not be possible without our crude oil through our pipelines,” she says. 

Enbridge transports crude oil that is refined into many products that help us make the most of our summers, from camping, to boating, to backyard grilling. Such products as fiberglass boats, gas grills, coolers, nylon tents, bicycle tires, helmets, and camper fuel are used every day by families on vacation. Our lifestyle would not be possible without the fuel for vehicles, as well as many other nylon and plastic items. Enbridge says they are committed to safely delivering the energy we use every day.

“Despite criticism regarding the use of crude oil and the environment, it’s still gorgeous here and there is a lot of vegetation along our right-of-ways. Questions have come in the news as to why we are not exploring renewable resources more, but the truth is, we have been very active in exploration of renewables such as wind and geo-thermal energy for 15 years. 

“We have the capacity to furnish one million homes with energy (from renewables). But, the history of the crude oil is that it is our bread and butter,” she stated. 

The economy is helped here in other ways. There are 360 employees in northern Minnesota who work in Clearbrook, Grand Rapids, and other communities directly related to the maintenance of the pipelines. With Superior, there are more than 600 people working on the pipelines. Local businesses in Clearwater County also benefit from the presence of the pipeline work.

“These are people who live, work and play here,” Ms. Malietzke stated. “And preventative maintenance shows how important safety of the pipelines is to us.” 

She said they are continually doing testing, inspections and preventative maintenance; they have 24 hour monitoring, and the lines can be shut down immediately if there are any issues. They now have a helicopter that flies the areas every 7-10 days to help maintain right-of-ways, and is constantly monitoring. 

There was $498 million spent on system maintenance from 2012–2016, just in Minnesota, for training, employees, and trucks out. 

The Line 3 Replacement Project in the U.S. includes 29 miles in North Dakota, 337 miles in Minnesota, and 14 miles in Wisconsin. The line has been in existence since the 1960s. The Line 3 Replacement includes $2.6 billion for the U.S. portion of the project, which makes it one of North America’s largest infrastructure programs, and will add to supporting North American energy independence. 

They are now in the pre-construction regulatory process, which is expected to be completed between 2018-2019. The in-service date is 2019 for the existing Line 3, and deactivation begins in 2019. They have 95% landowners who have signed easements, and they are now working on obtaining necessary permits. 

“This is the largest job we’ve ever done,” she said.

“A different route will include additional counties, so we have been pulled into a larger environmental study. With 242,125 field hours which includes Line 3 and Sandpiper, that equals 27 years of study between 2013-2016 to create the route selected, and we’re pretty proud of the route. 

“One of the routes being studied in Clearwater County will shift from the Wild Rice Water Shed to the Headwaters Water Shed.” 

A recent report shows that the Mississippi River contains the cleanest water in the state, and any infrastructure located around those waters do not harm the environment, Ms. Maleitzke pointed out. 

“We’re pretty proud of that!”

Regarding the tax appeal lawsuit, Enbridge realizes that it puts the County under a financial distress. However, in 2011-2012 (beginning year of the appeal), the State increased their tax value by 36%. They have also appealed for tax years up to 2016.

“Imagine opening your tax bill to see a 36% increase! This was negotiated down to 24%. But Enbridge proposed to pay just 16% increase. We are in tax court and expect to go to court October 3.” 

“This will continue unless the valuation system is fixed,” it was stated. 

There have been 49 public meetings (after this fall anticipated 16 meetings in September and October, that brings the number to 65 total for Line 3), which is adequate time for input. Public comment period ends July 12. For further information go to Minnesota Department of Commerce website or enbridge.com. To support and comment on the Line 3 Replacement Project, write to Jamie MacAlister, Dept. of Commerce, 85 7th Place East #500, St. Paul, Minn. 55101.