The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is announcing details on how to join upcoming webinars about Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline replacement project. On the day of each event, links to access the webinar will be available via the DNR Line 3 webpage, mndnr.gov/line3.
The links will be available 30 minutes before each webinar starts. The webinars will be held Monday, April 29 starting at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 30 starting at 10 a.m., and Monday, May 6 starting at 3 p.m. They will focus on the project, how people can comment on the company’s applications and the DNR’s decision-making process.
The first webinar on April 29 will provide an overview of the Line 3 replacement project and the DNR’s role in regulating the project. Webinars 2 (April 30) and 3 (May 6) will focus in more detail on the 10 applications Enbridge has submitted to the DNR. The content of webinars 2 and 3 will be essentially the same.
Following an informational presentation, each webinar will include a 30-minute question and answer period. This will be an opportunity for participants to submit questions about the project, the applications, and the DNR’s review process. The DNR will not be taking public comments as part of the webinars. (See below for details on how comments may be submitted.) The DNR will answer as many questions as possible in the 30-minute period.
Minnesotans will be able to view the webinars using their own computers and other devices, or at one of three locations in northern Minnesota. These viewing locations are in Park Rapids, Clearbrook, and Floodwood. Further details on these locations are provided at mndnr.gov/line3. Each of the webinars will be recorded and will be available later on the same webpage, where people can also sign up for automatic email updates.
HOW TO COMMENT ON ENBRIDGE APPLICATION
Enbridge needs several licenses and permits to construct and operate a replacement of the Line 3 oil pipeline across Minnesota.
The DNR is accepting comments through May 17 on the applications for those licenses and permits that Enbridge is seeking from the DNR. The DNR will review and consider all comments received on the license and permit applications before making any final decisions. Comments may be submitted online at mndnr.gov/line3 or may also be mailed to the DNR at 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul MN 55155-4025, Attention Line 3 Replacement Applications.
Comments that express support for or opposition to the project as a whole, or that address the Minnesota Public Utility Commission’s prior decisions on project need and route, do not relate to the criteria the DNR must use in making its decisions on the pending applications. Therefore, while such comments are welcome, they will not inform the DNR’s decision-making.
Line 3 is one of six Enbridge oil pipelines that cross Minnesota. Enbridge is proposing to replace the existing Line 3 with a new, higher capacity line. The Public Utilities Commission has granted Enbridge a certificate of need and a route permit for the Line 3 replacement, which would follow the existing Line 3 route in places and a new alignment in other areas.
The DNR is seeking public comment on the following applications:
- Utility Crossing License for State Land.
- Utility Crossing License for Public Water.
- Water Appropriation for Hydrostatic Testing and Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD).
- Water Appropriation for Trench and Construction Dewatering.
- Water Appropriation for Dust Control.
- Water Appropriation for Construction Near Gully 30 (calcareous fen).
- Work in Public Waters for Public Water Wetlands on Private Land.
- Work in Public Waters for Willow River Bridge.
- Calcareous Fen Management Plan (Gully 30).
- Threatened and Endangered Species Taking Permit.
All permit and license applications are available for review at mndnr.gov/line3.
