The federal government must now make a decision on the project.
Enbridge wants to spend $7.5 billion to replace its Line 3 pipeline, which stretches 1,660 kilometres from Hardisty, Alta., to Superior, Wis.
The pipeline is currently operating at about half capacity after the company voluntarily reduced pressure because of reliability concerns.
“The Enbridge Line 3 project is in the Canadian public interest and is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects,” said Robert Steedman, the NEB’s chief environmental officer.
As part of the NEB’s decision, Enbridge must develop a plan for Aboriginal groups to participate in monitoring construction.
Several groups oppose the pipeline project, including First Nations and environmental groups in Manitoba and Minnesota. The company has already delayed its expected completion date from 2017 to 2019 because of the regulatory process in Minnesota.
“The hearing panel believes there is an important opportunity at this juncture for Enbridge to renew, and in some cases, improve its relationship with Aboriginal groups,” said Steedman.
The project will be subject to the federal government’s new environmental assessment process, which was announced in January.
The upgrade would allow the line to pump a maximum of 760,000 barrels per day, up from the 390,000 barrels it is currently able to move.
Line 3 already has presidential approval, but the replacement project must undergo separate permitting processes in the U.S. before construction can begin.
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