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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has reached a $2.8 million enforcement agreement with Enbridge to address an aquifer breach that occurred during construction of the Line 3 Replacement Project near Swatara in Aitkin County — the latest resolution in the ongoing environmental reckoning tied to the controversial pipeline that crosses northern Minnesota.
The breach, at a site called Moose Lake, was first reported by Enbridge in August 2022 when groundwater began upwelling at the surface. After extensive investigation, the DNR confirmed a confined aquifer had been breached. Groundwater flow was estimated at 10–15 gallons per minute — significant, but lower than the 100–300+ gallons per minute seen at three other confirmed breach sites along the Line 3 corridor at Clearbrook, LaSalle Creek, and Mile Post 1102.5.
Under the terms of the settlement, Enbridge has agreed to:
The DNR noted that completely stopping the groundwater flow was not feasible given the challenging peatland terrain and complex hydrology in the area. Attempting to fully seal the breach would have caused unacceptable damage to nearby natural resources. Instead, Enbridge performed corrective actions to stabilize the site between fall 2022 and 2023 under DNR oversight.
With this agreement finalized, the DNR considers its enforcement action at the Moose Lake site closed. However, monitoring will continue at the site and at other locations under the existing Line 3 permits.
The Line 3 Replacement Project has drawn significant attention across northern Minnesota since construction. The pipeline — which carries Alberta tar sands oil through the state — sparked years of legal challenges and protests before and during construction. The series of aquifer breaches along its route has been a focal point for environmental concerns in the region.
Residents with questions about the settlement or ongoing monitoring can contact the DNR at 888-646-6367 or visit the DNR’s website for updates.
