Minnesota Approves Permit For Major Oil Pipeline Project

The state of Minnesota has signed off on a construction permit for a pipeline project that is expected to cross through Wisconsin.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved a Certificate of Need on Friday for Enbridge Energy’s $2.6 billion Sandpiper pipeline. The pipeline would carry around 600,000 barrels per day from North Dakota’s Bakken oil fields to Superior.

Enbridge Energy Spokeswoman Lorraine Little said the company is pleased with the decision.

“The proposed pipeline will help to provide a safe transportation alternative to be able to move that North Dakota oil into the markets that want it,” said Little.

The company still has to go through the routing process in Minnesota.

Enbridge plans to build a 14-mile segment of the Sandpiper line in Wisconsin. An environmental impact statement will needed for the project as part of Wisconsin’s permitting process. Enbridge hopes to have the pipeline in service by 2017.