Judge: Groups didn`t prove Line 3 construction could damage wetlands, streams

An administrative law judge said opponents of Enbridge’s proposed Line 3 oil pipeline did not prove construction of the project would harm wetlands and streams.

In a non-binding recommendation issued Friday, Judge James LaFave said the coalition of environmental and tribal groups failed to meet the burden of proof in a contested-case hearing on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s water permits over the summer and urged the MPCA commissioner to make the same finding when considering the 340-mile pipeline’s 401 certification, a permit awarded by a state`s regulators if the project`s impact on water falls within the state`s standard. The MPCA’s decision is due Nov. 14...
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Ken Notes: I did suggest court is not the best place to settle these issues.