Administrative Law Judge Eric Lipman has concluded that Enbridge Energy’s plans for the $2.6 billion Sandpiper pipeline to carry North Dakota crude oil across northern Minnesota is needed, and the company's proposed route will have the least impact on people and the environment. Lipman also concluded that denying the company a certificate of need for the project would have an adverse effect on the energy supply in Minnesota and other states.
Much of the Minnesota route is unpopulated, but runs through a region covered with wetlands and lakes. The decision was a defeat for environmental groups, which questioned the need, pointed to the risk of spills and suggested six alternative routes.
An estimated 1,500 construction workers are expected to be employed during construction of the pipeline.
