Reviewing applications for Sandpiper and Line 3: Enbridge comments

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission voted, at its most recent hearing on 17 December 2015, on several matters regarding the process to review the applications for a certificate of need and route permit for Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P's (EEP) proposed Sandpiper pipeline and EEP's portion of the Line 3 pipeline replacement project (L3R).

The Line 3 project

The L3R project encompasses replacement of all segments of Line 3 between Hardisty, Alberta and Superior, Wisconsin, and involves both EEP and Canadian subsidiaries of Enbridge Inc. The company believes that most of those decisions were consistent with Enbridge's expectations and that they provide clarity on process matters related to execution of the pipeline projects.

The vote

The outcome of one of the commission's votes, however, contemplates the need to finalise an environmental impact statement for the pipeline projects prior to, rather than contemporaneously with, the commission addressing other required matters. If upheld in the final order, this requirement could potentially delay the completion dates of the pipelines beyond the dates originally anticipated by Enbridge.

Reviewing a written order

Enbridge will not be in a position to fully assess the potential impact of the commission votes until it has had an opportunity to review the formal written order, which is not expected to be released for approximately 30 - 60 days. Following receipt of the order, Enbridge will take any necessary steps to ensure the timely completion of the pipelines.

Edited from source by Stephanie Roker

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/22122015/reviewing-applications-for-sandpiper-and-line-3-enbridge-comments/