MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota regulators approved the final permit Monday for Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 crude oil pipeline replacement across northern Minnesota, giving the company the green light to begin construction on the $2.6 billion project.The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency granted a construction storm water permit for the project, which was the last hurdle that Calgary, Alberta-based Enbridge needed to clear.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the independent Minnesota Public Utilities Commission gave their final approvals last week.
But opponents are still fighting the project. Enbridge said in a statement that construction can now begin, but didn't immediately say when that would happen.