CROOKSTON, Minn. -- An uneven split between proponents and opponents of the proposed Sandpiper pipeline didn't keep either side from getting their voices heard Monday at public hearing here.
About 100 people turned out to testify in support of or against -- a majority of those speaking in favor of -- the application for a certificate of need filed by the American branch of Canadian company Enbridge.
The certificate of need requires approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission before the company can start on the 300-mile portion of the pipeline that would run through the state.
"We think it's the safest way to ship oil," said John Lerohl, a Red Lake County commissioner. "We think it's good for the county ... simple and sweet."
Red Lake is one of 13 counties the pipeline would potentially pass through on its path through the state. Commissioners representing at least three northwest counties went on record as in support of the project Monday, including Polk County.
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Divided comments
The environmental impact of constructing the pipeline seemed at the forefront of opponents' minds.
"I'm reluctant to speak today as the assumption is landowners are always in some way profiting from the pipeline," said Clearwater County resident Doug Rasch, who owns land along the pipeline's proposed route. "In my case, I don't want Enbridge's money. And the reasons I don't want Enbridge's money don't have much to do with me or my community. The reasons are about the land."
Opponents such as Rasch say forgoing financial benefits is a small price to pay for keeping land from being damaged beyond repair by construction and potentially polluted by oil spills.
Meanwhile, the pipeline's economic impact was brought up often by proponents. According to Enbridge, the project would bring an additional $25 million in property taxes to the 13 counties. An estimated 1,500 jobs would be created by the project.
The entire pipeline would span 618 miles from Tioga, N.D., to an existing pipeline terminal in Clearbrook, Minn. From there, the Bakken oil would flow to Superior, Wis.
PUC representatives and Enbridge employees were on hand to hear testimony and answer questions.
Moving forward
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By the end of the hearing's first 90-minute block, the list of opponents had run dry, so Administrative Law Judge Eric Lipman -- who has overseen all five public hearings on the pipeline -- granted second rounds of testimony.
The ballroom of the Crookston Inn and Convention Center was mostly empty by the time the last speaker took to the floor at 5 p.m. The hearing was the last in a series held around the state.
After the project's public comment period, the PUC's decision on the certificate is expected to come later this spring.
Public comment is still open until 4:30 p.m. Jan. 23. Comments must be received by deadline and can be sent by mail to 121 Seventh Place E. Suite 350, St. Paul, Minn., 55101. Comments also can be submitted online at mn.gov/puc under the "Comment on an Issue" button.
