What is being done to make sure that tribal cultural resources along the route are preserved?
The Line 3 replacement route will cross through 337 miles of northern Minnesota, an area that contains numerous archaeological resources of historical and cultural significance. To ensure that important artifacts and resources along this route are preserved, Enbridge has fully funded an unprecedented cultural resources survey along the route. This work was recently completed, and has resulted in changes to the route as needed.
The Public Utilities Commission ruled that the survey must be complete before construction could begin. Originally, the Army Corps of Engineers had ordered a survey on 66 miles of the route. After tribes requested that 201 miles of the route be surveyed, Enbridge chose to fund a survey along the entire 337 miles of the route. Work began in late 2017, and was completed by August 2018.
Led by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the survey is the largest of its kind ever attempted in the energy industry, involving nine tribes participating directly, and over 30 tribes involved via the Army Corps of Engineers. Using GPS and oral histories from tribal leaders, the survey has uncovered sites and artifacts of cultural significance, including potential stone tools, human-made mounds, pottery, arrowheads, and a possible hidden village.
Jim Jones, a project manager for the survey and member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe explains the significance of this survey in a WCCO interview:
“A project like this has never been done across tribal communities or with energy companies, and they really set a precedent. And for Fond du Lac to take the lead on that is really unique, working with Enbridge on that, is the first of its kind in the nation”
As the construction phase of the project starts, tribal monitors will be hired to make sure that the identified cultural resources along the route are protected.
Additional Information:
The Truth about Line 3
With so much information being shared and gathered about the Line 3 replacement project, it’s important to help everyone stay focused on the facts, address any misconceptions, and make sure that information about Line 3 is grounded in truth.
Minnesotans for Line 3 has identified some common questions about the project along with information, facts, and other background that answer those important questions.
Approval Process
Who made the decision to replace Line 3, and when?
What steps have been taken to approve the Line 3 project?
What does the Consent Decree from the federal government to replace Line 3 mean?
How do actions by Line 3 opponents fit with Minnesota’s tradition of being a civically respectful community?
How many public comments were received in support and opposition to Line 3, and where were they from?
What do Minnesota’s refineries say about the need for oil from Line 3?
Environment & Safety
How do pipelines like Line 3 compare to other ways of transporting oil in terms of safety and efficiency?
If we’re transitioning to greener energy, why build more fossil fuel infrastructure like Line 3?
How can you care about protecting water and natural resources and support Line 3?
How in depth was the study to determine the environmental impact of Line 3?
What will happen to Line 3 if it is not replaced?
How do we know something like Line 3’s 1991 accident in Grand Rapids, MN won’t happen again?
What was the extent of the drilling fluid spill at the Willow River construction site, and what was done to correct it?
