Line 3 Replacement Project is protecting wild rice, conserving water

August 06, 2021

The current drought conditions in Minnesota are concerning to everyone. In response, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has suspended the use of some water sources due to low flow in specific watersheds. We are focused on protecting, conserving and reusing water on the Line 3 project. More than 50% of pipeline sections being tested on Line 3 are reusing water. We continue to work with agencies on next steps during these drought conditions.

Enbridge has demonstrated ongoing respect for Tribal sovereignty. The Minnesota Court of Appeals recently concluded the commission reasonably selected a route for the replacement pipeline based upon respect for Tribal sovereignty, while minimizing environmental impacts.” As the result of negotiations with Tribal leadership Line 3 was routed outside of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation and through the Reservation of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Both Leech Lake and Fond du Lac have written in support of project permits. White Earth Nation was also included and invited to be part of the process, and because of their concerns Line 3 was routed outside of the Upper and Lower Rice Lake and its watershed.

Line 3 construction permits include conditions that specifically protect wild rice waters. As a matter of fact Enbridge pipelines have coexisted with Minnesota’s most sacred and productive wild rice stands for over seven decades.

The project is already over 80% complete in Minnesota and is expected to be finished in Q4 of this year. The project is providing significant economic benefits for Minnesota counties, small businesses, Native American communities, and union members—including creating thousands of family-sustaining construction jobs, and millions of dollars in local spending and tax revenues. Enbridge has already spent well over $250 million project dollars specifically with tribal nations, citizens, communities, and contractors.