Administrative law judge upholds Minnesota PCA decisions on Enbridge pipeline

Oct 19, 20200

Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune count

Enbridge Energy has already built a 14-mile stretch of its new pipeline in Wisconsin and another short portion in North Dakota. It is still waiting for permits to build the part across northern Minnesota.

An administrative law judge has found that Minnesota pollution regulators properly considered the construction impacts of Enbridge's controversial new pipeline, a blow to the oil pipeline's opponents.

The ruling by Judge James LaFave stems from a challenge to the draft water permits for the pipeline's construction, which were approved by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) in February.

Three environmental groups and two Ojibwe bands asked for a "contested case" hearing over the draft permits. The MPCA agreed and a hearing was held this summer before LaFave.

https://www.startribune.com/judge-backs-mpca-on-water-permits-for-enbridge-pipeline/572771591/