By Zach Kayser / Bemidji Pioneer
A state regulatory agency plans to hold a new round of public hearings on the proposed Sandpiper crude oil pipeline, including a meeting in Bemidji.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission aims to traverse Minnesota in order to hold five meetings over as many days during the second week of January so that the public can comment on the controversial project. Sandpiper was delayed by the PUC this fall in order to explore alternate routes and gather additional information following concerns over developer Enbridge Energy's preferred route, which crosses through areas considered to be environmentally vulnerable. A final PUC decision on approving the project's certificate of need is expected by June. Two environmental groups, the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy and Friends of the Headwaters, recently filed a lawsuit in Ramsey County court asking for a broader environmental review of the Sandpiper plan. They seek an Environmental Impact Statement, saying the PUC making a decision without the study would be a violation of state law.
Hearing schedule
The Bemidji hearing is slated to take place Jan. 7 at 2 p.m. inside the Hobson Union ballroom at BSU.
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Other hearings are as follows, all of which begin at 2 p.m.:
• Jan. 5: St. Paul RiverCentre, 75 W Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul.
• Jan. 6: Downtown Holiday Inn, W First St., Duluth.
• Jan. 8: Crookston Inn & Convention Center, 2200 University Ave., Crookston.
• Jan. 9: St. Cloud River's Edge Convention Center, 10 Fourth Ave. S, St. Cloud.
Citizens will be able to contribute oral comments, written comments, or both, according to officials. Administrative Law Judge Eric Lipman will preside over the hearings. The floor will alternate between a list of commenters opposed to the line, and those in favor. In the event of inclement weather, the public can call (855) 731-6208, or (651) 201-2213, or visit mn.gov/puc fo find out if a meeting is canceled.
