Enbridge’s Line 3 replacement pipeline environmental impact ruled ‘adequate’

This has been the most extensive EIS related to a pipeline project in the history of Minnesota. State agency staff spent 16 months drafting the 5000 pages of analysis that was developed in accordance with the law. It addresses the potentially significant issues and alternatives raised in scoping and incorporates input gathered in 49 public meetings and multiple comment periods.

The EIS confirms that the replacement of Line 3 as proposed by Enbridge is a superior outcome to the continued operation of the existing Line 3 and to any alternative means of transporting crude oil by truck or rail.

Enbridge would like to thank the Department of Commerce and the supporting agencies for their considerable work in developing the EIS and administering the process in a professional manner.

Enbridge will continue to work cooperatively with regulatory and permitting authorities, government agencies, elected officials, Tribal leadership and the public as it proceeds with the regulatory process in Minnesota for this important safety driven maintenance project.

The EIS further supports that Enbridge’s preferred route is the optimal solution when considering tribal, environmental and other resources of concern.

• The preferred route scores much better than the two options considered to replace Line 3 within the existing right of way.
• The preferred route scores very similarly to the most southern route alternative however that route has the potential to significantly impact drinking water areas.
• The most northern route scores well vs the preferred route but requires a new right of way to be developed through the Chippewa National Forest when the preferred route largely uses existing utility corridors. It also requires the line to be replaced on the Fond du Lac reservation when the tribe has made it clear they do not want the pipeline on their reservation.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/16032018/enbridges-line-3-replacement-pipeline-environmental-impact-ruled-adequate/