DNR grants 2 of 10 required permits for Enbridge Line 3 replacement project

KSTP
[KSTP/ File]

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced on Monday that it has made the decision to grant two of 10 required DNR permits, licenses and approvals for the proposed Enbridge Line 3 pipeline replacement project.

According to the DNR, Enbridge is proposing to construct a new oil pipeline in Minnesota, replacing its existing Line 3.

Line 3 is one of six Enbridge oil pipelines that cross Minnesota in what Enbridge calls its mainline system.

The DNR has issued the following two permits/approvals:

  • Gully 30 Fen Calcareous Fen Management Plan.
  • Gully 30 Fen Water Appropriation Permit.

This translates to the proposed project meeting the applicable state of Minnesota environmental regulatory requirements to receive these approvals, the DNR said.

Gully 30 Fen is located in Polk County, near Trail, Minn. The management plan approval establishes the requirements Enbridge must follow to protect the Gully 30 Fen during construction. The water appropriation permit associated with the work in the Gully 30 Fen allows temporary dewatering to facilitate construction and sets the pumping rate and volume restrictions necessary to ensure sustainable use of the groundwater resource.

The DNR is still considering the following Line 3-related applications from Enbridge:

  • Utility crossing license for state land,
  • Utility crossing license for public water,
  • Water appropriation for hydrostatic testing and horizontal directional drilling,
  • Water appropriation for trench and construction dewatering,
  • Water appropriation for dust control,
  • Work in public waters for public water wetlands on private land,
  • Work in public waters for Willow River Bridge,
  • Threatened and endangered species taking permit.

In addition to these applications, the DNR said Enbridge has requested short-term and long-term leases on state land for construction access/staging and ongoing operation and maintenance.

For more information on the project and its progress, click here.