Enbridge and Fond du Lac Line 4 pipeline approved

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved the Enbridge Energy Line 4 project on Aug. 22, a move the pipeline company applauded as its Line 3 pipeline continues to move at a snail’s pace through the state approval process and the courts.

As part of the agreement between the pipeline company and the Band regarding the Line 3 oil pipeline replacement project, Enbridge plans to relocate a portion of the Line 4 pipeline that currently crosses the reservation.

Enbridge’s Line 4 oil pipeline — which was built in the early 1970s — carries 796,000 barrels of oil per day from Alberta to the Enbridge terminal in Superior. When it was built it was above-grade in areas of heavily saturated soils.

The Line 4 project includes relocation and reburial of a 10-mile stretch of the Reservation portion of Line 4 at a safe depth fully below ground. Where Line 4 crosses waterways, it will be routed underneath in a manner that preserves hydrology. Enbridge will install a new 36-inch-diameter segment of Line 4, and deactivate and remove the existing above-grade 48-inch-diameter segment of pipe through the Reservation. Once the new Line 4 is in place, the older Line 4 will be removed and the land and water flow will be restored.

“This work will make the area more accessible to members of the Fond du Lac community for traditional land uses, restore wetland hydrology, and better protect the environment,” Enbridge officials said in a press release Thursday.

No historic or cultural sites are expected to be affected by the route or construction activities.

The pipeline relocation project was requested by the Fond du Lac Band. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2020.