Enbridge completed the construction phase of the Line 3 Replacement Project and began operation of the new pipeline in October 2021. Restoration and monitoring are ongoing as outlined in existing Line 3 Replacement Project permits and site-specific plans. The project replaces and expands the capacity of the original Line 3 pipeline. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission issued a Certificate of Need and Route Permit to Enbridge for construction of the Line 3 Pipeline Replacement. A number of permits, licenses and other approvals from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources were required for the project (see DNR Decision Documents below).
Click for map - Existing Main Line Corridor and Proposed Line 3 Pipeline Route »
Recent developments
Moose Lake Settlement Agreement
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today that it has reached an agreement with Enbridge to address an aquifer breach related to the construction of Line 3 Replacement Project at the Moose Lake site near Swatara in Aitkin County.
As part of the resolution, Enbridge has agreed to:
Fund $1,200,000 in Supplemental Environmental Projects, to be selected by the DNR, to benefit natural resources.
Pay $300,000 in civil penalties to address violations associated with the aquifer breach.
Pay $100,000 for ongoing DNR monitoring of the Moose Lake site.
Provide $1,200,000 in financial assurance for mitigation of any potential future impacts that the breach may have on Moose Lake or other natural resources in the area.
The completion of this agreement closes the DNR’s enforcement related to the Moose Lake site. The DNR will continue to monitor the Moose Lake site and continue other monitoring as outlined in existing Line 3 Replacement Project permits and site-specific plans.
Additional background:
Enbridge reported the upwelling of groundwater at the Moose Lake site in August 2022. Following extensive investigation, the DNR determined that there was a confined aquifer breach at the site. The groundwater flow at the surface from the Moose Lake aquifer breach was estimated at 10-15 gallons/minute, considerably lower than the 100-300+ gallons/minute initially observed at the three other confirmed aquifer breach sites previously investigated by the DNR (Clearbrook, LaSalle Creek and Mile Post 1102.5).
With the cooperation of Enbridge, the DNR evaluated several options to manage the flow of groundwater at the site. Early in the evaluation, the DNR determined that it would not be feasible to completely stop the flow of groundwater at the site because of the highly challenging peatland terrain and very complex hydrology. The DNR further determined that attempting to completely stop the groundwater flow would result in unacceptable damage to the natural resources in the area. From the fall of 2022 through 2023, Enbridge performed corrective actions designed to stabilize the site under DNR oversight. The DNR also established long-term monitoring locations and protocols for the site and will use funds from this settlement to perform this monitoring.
- Comprehensive Enforcement Agreement Clearbrook, LaSalle Creek, and Milepost 1102.5
- Administrative Penalty and Restoration Order for Clearbrook aquifer breach
- DNR Decision Documents
- Utility License for DNR-administered Land
Utility License for Public Water
Work in Public Waters for Willow River Bridge Permit
Work in Public Waters for Public Water Wetlands on Private Land Permit
Water Appropriation Permit for Trench and Construction Dewatering Permit (as amended)
Water Appropriation for Dust Suppression Permit
Water Appropriation for Hydrostatic Testing and Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Permit
Notice of Gully 30 Calcareous Fen Management Plan Permit
Threatened and Endangered Species Taking Permit
Questions
Contact the DNR Information Center.