Commenting open: May 16, 2025 12:00AM CT - June 20, 2025 11:59PM CT.
Enbridge Energy Ltd (Clearbrook) - Wastewater Permit
CORRECTION: The MPCA inadvertently posted the incorrect version of the Draft Permit for this facility, which had language for tanks. The MPCA is restarting the public notice with the correct version of the Draft Permit, which is to cover new pipeline hydrotests.
We invite you to comment on the draft wastewater permit for the Enbridge Energy (Clearbrook) site.
Enbridge Energy operates a network of pipelines from its facility near Clearbrook. It generates wastewater from hydrostatic testing of new pipeline segments at locations around the state.
Under its industrial wastewater permit, Enbridge makes requests for specific discharge events, which the MPCA must individually review and authorize. During hydrostatic testing, Enbridge pressurizes water in the new pipe above the normal operating pressure of the pipeline. Enbridge then discharges the water using best management practices into a strawbale structure lined with geotextile and/or filter bags. Enbridge discharges treated hydrostatic test waters to the land surface for infiltration.
The draft water quality permit removes coverage for tank pressure testing and construction stormwater coverage for trench dewatering. The MPCA made the change to align construction stormwater activities with the construction stormwater general permit. The draft permit also covers the discharges that Enbridge has requested with its most recent permit application.
Where the pipeline enters Tribal areas, Enbridge must work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and/or directly with the Tribal community.
Wastewater from industrial and commercial sources may contain pollutants at levels that could adversely affect the water quality in area wetlands, streams, rivers, and lakes. Water quality permits - or National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits - establish specific limits and requirements to protect Minnesota's surface and groundwater quality. All wastewater must be treated before it goes into surface water to protect human health and aquatic life. Permits are regularly reviewed and updated as they expire, allowing the MPCA to incorporate new information about the impacts of pollutants on the environment in future permits.
Contact Information
*Indicates Required Fields
Thank you for subscribing to the Enbridge Energy Ltd (Clearbrook) - Wastewater Permit mailing list.
CORRECTION: The MPCA inadvertently posted the incorrect version of the Draft Permit for this facility, which had language for tanks. The MPCA is restarting the public notice with the correct version of the Draft Permit, which is to cover new pipeline hydrotests.
We invite you to comment on the draft wastewater permit for the Enbridge Energy (Clearbrook) site.
Enbridge Energy operates a network of pipelines from its facility near Clearbrook. It generates wastewater from hydrostatic testing of new pipeline segments at locations around the state.
Under its industrial wastewater permit, Enbridge makes requests for specific discharge events, which the MPCA must individually review and authorize. During hydrostatic testing, Enbridge pressurizes water in the new pipe above the normal operating pressure of the pipeline. Enbridge then discharges the water using best management practices into a strawbale structure lined with geotextile and/or filter bags. Enbridge discharges treated hydrostatic test waters to the land surface for infiltration.
The draft water quality permit removes coverage for tank pressure testing and construction stormwater coverage for trench dewatering. The MPCA made the change to align construction stormwater activities with the construction stormwater general permit. The draft permit also covers the discharges that Enbridge has requested with its most recent permit application.
Where the pipeline enters Tribal areas, Enbridge must work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and/or directly with the Tribal community.
Wastewater from industrial and commercial sources may contain pollutants at levels that could adversely affect the water quality in area wetlands, streams, rivers, and lakes. Water quality permits - or National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits - establish specific limits and requirements to protect Minnesota's surface and groundwater quality. All wastewater must be treated before it goes into surface water to protect human health and aquatic life. Permits are regularly reviewed and updated as they expire, allowing the MPCA to incorporate new information about the impacts of pollutants on the environment in future permits.
Contact Information
*Indicates Required Fields