Enbridge Fixes Pierced Aquifer Near Oil Pipeline

MINNEAPOLIS — Enbridge Energy says it has fixed an aquifer that was pierced over a year ago when workers were installing the Line 3 oil pipeline in Northern Minnesota.

The accident near Enbridge’s terminal in Clearbrook resulted in 24 million gallons of groundwater to leak.

The company told the state Department of Natural Resources that it stopped the uncontrolled leak on Tuesday. The DNR said it will monitor the repair and the investigation remains ongoing. The agency is looking at further restoration, mitigation and penalties.

The White Earth Band of Ojibwe and other pipeline opponents have been doing their own investigation, including drone footage, to check for further water impacts. They are calling for more accountability and details about the incident.

State regulators ordered Enbridge to pay $3.3 million and fix the damage. The company missed a deadline in October and paid an additional $40,000.