Enbridge to pay $2.8 million over Line 3 aquifer breach in Minnesota
Enbridge has reached a $2.8 million settlement with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) after construction crews pierced a groundwater aquifer during Line 3 pipeline work in Aitkin County. The breach, discovered in 2022 near Swatara, caused groundwater to leak to the surface and violated state water rules, raising concerns about potential impacts to sensitive wetlands.
Under the agreement, Enbridge will pay $300,000 in civil penalties, $100,000 for continued monitoring, and $1.2 million toward environmental restoration projects. The company will also secure a $1.2 million financial guarantee to address any future impacts related to the breach—funds it can recoup if no further damage emerges.
The DNR says it has not observed impacts to Moose Lake, a protected wild-rice lake, though increased water levels in the breach area remain evident. Groundwater continues to flow from the site at approximately 10 to 15 gallons per minute, a lower rate than at several other breach sites on the Line 3 route.
Enbridge previously paid more than $11 million to remediate three other aquifer breaches tied to Line 3 construction.
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