Peterson Applauds Permit Progress on Line 3

(Detroit Lakes, Minn.) - Today, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources granted the remaining eight of 10 required permits, licenses and approvals for the proposed Enbridge Line 3 pipeline replacement project. The DNR made decisions granting two prior approvals on Oct. 19. The need for the project and the pipeline construction route were decided by the PUC in 2018 and reaffirmed as recently as June of this year.

Line 3 is a 1,097-mile crude oil pipeline constructed in the 1960s that extends from Edmonton, Alberta to Superior, Wisconsin. Enbridge has replaced sections of Line 3 in Wisconsin and Canada and has been pursuing permits to replace sections in Minnesota since 2014.

“DNR’s approval of the remaining permits a good sign for the Line 3 replacement project,” Peterson said. “The project has met or exceeded all requirements of the DNR and I am confident Enbridge will meet the requirements to secure the remaining state and federal approvals. Replacing the existing Line 3 will ensure the integrity of the pipeline and generate significant economic activity across northern Minnesota.”

In addition to the action by the DNR, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency announced approvals the 401 Water Quality Certification, which clears the way for a determination from the US Army Corps of Engineers regarding federal permits.

Peterson noted the project will add an additional $35 million in property tax revenue for rural communities in Northern Minnesota. Additionally, it brings $2 billion in private infrastructure investment to Minnesota and more than 6,500 jobs the state over two-years. These are good paying jobs, and 4,000 will be union jobs.

Pipelines are among the safest and most efficient methods of transporting fuel. A replacement will significantly improve Line 3’s environmental footprint and integrity with the installation of state-of-the-art technologies. The existing pipeline needs to be replaced, and a modern replacement also significantly lowers the risk of a spill, and it means fewer heavy oil trucks and railroad tanker cars rolling through towns.