ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit to the Canadian oil pipeline company Enbridge for its Line 3 replacement project from Alberta across North Dakota and Minnesota to Superior, Wisconsin. The Corps said the $8.2 billion, 1,000-mile project complies with U.S. requirements in the:
> National Environmental Policy Act.
> Clean Water Act.
> Endangered Species Act.
> National Historic Preservation Act.
The Corps’ permit is broad and doesn’t deal with specific siting. Colonel Karl Jansen, the Corps’ St Paul District commander, acknowledged opposition from Tribal peoples and environmentalists: “This decision is based on balancing development with protecting the environment.”
Line 3 timeline
1968: Enbridge builds Line 3.
2014: Enbridge proposes upgrade.
2020: U.S, Army Corps approves project.
Verbatim
Jansen: “Our decision is based on sound science and strikes the balance between protecting natural resources and allowing reasonable development.”
Jansen. Regional chief for Amy Corps of Engineers