Enbridge Energy, a Canadian pipeline operator, has submitted a proposal to the Public Utilities Commission for the construction of the Sandpiper pipeline that would carry the crude oil from the Bakken Shale in North Dakota to Minnesota and Wisconsin. It has been reported that the Minnesota regulators are currently examining these plans.
The potential facility is planned to run approximately 299 miles from the oilfields in North Dakota to a terminal that Enbridge runs in Superior, Wisconsin. It is believed that if approved, the project will create approximately 1,500 temporary jobs in Minnesota and cost approximately $1.2 billion.
The pipeline construction is set to start in the final quarter of 2014 and be completed by early 2016.
The approval process will include assessments, public meetings and opportunities for members of the public to submit any written comments.
The approval process will include assessments, public meetings and opportunities for members of the public to submit any written comments.