Saint Paul, MN – LIUNA Minnesota & North Dakota’s President and Business Manager, Joel Smith, released the following statement in response to today’s decisions by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Department of Natural Resources to grant permits for the Line 3 Replacement Project:
“The Pollution Control Agency and Department of Natural Resources are charged with acting in the public interest, and both agencies did that with today’s approval of several important permits needed to replace the deteriorating Line 3 pipeline with a safe, modern pipeline that will protect our environment and create family-supporting jobs.
“The Line 3 Replacement has been more closely scrutinized and carefully planned than any comparable project in state history. No stone has been left unturned, and no risk left unaddressed. This project will create thousands of living wage jobs for local workers, while significantly reducing the risk of a spill from the existing pipeline and tankers that currently transport oil on overcrowded rail lines.
“We appreciate the hard work, fairness and professionalism of Commissioners Bishop and Strommen and their staff. Today's decisions mean that thousands of our friends and neighbors across Minnesota can go to work building the safest pipeline in the state.”
The project now awaits a Section 404 Water Quality Certification from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers followed by a PCA Construction Stormwater Permit and an authorization to construct from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Construction is expected to begin in December.