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Information Book
Permitting process
If someone wants to build a small hazardous liquid pipeline in Minnesota that's less than 6 inches wide and operates at pressures below 275 pounds per square inch (psi), they may not need special permission from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. However, they may qualify for an approval of an Information Book. The applicant has to follow the content and timing requirements outlined in statute.
Permitting timeline:
45 Days
The PUC role:
The Commission makes the final decision about what action to take.
Who’s involved
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Department of Commerce – Energy Environmental Review & Analysis Permit
(DOC EERA)
Permit Applicant
To learn more about relevant statutes and rules, go to the Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Relevant Statutes: Minn. Stat. 216G.03 to 216G.05
Need More Help?
Email: publicadvisor.puc@state.mn.us
Call the Commission @ 651-296-0406
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Partial Exemption
Permitting process
If someone applying for a pipeline permit in Minnesota believes their project will have minimal impacts to people and the environment, they can ask for a partial exemption from certain pipeline route selection rules. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) will decide whether to approve or reject this request. If they agree to consider the partial exemption, it starts the process. This involves notifying the public, distributing the application, setting a time for comments, and holding public meetings in each county affected.
After gathering all the information, the Commission will decide whether to grant the partial exemption.
Permitting timeline:
Within 90 days of application acceptance
The PUC role:
The Commission reviews applications, helps build the record, and the Commissioners will make the final decision about issuing a pipeline route permit.
Who’s involved
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Department of Commerce – Energy Environmental Review & Analysis
(DOC EERA)
Permit Applicant
To learn more about relevant statutes and rules, go to the Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Relevant Statutes: Minn. Stat. 216G/Minn. Rules 7852.0600-7852.0700 & 7852.2000-7852.3000
Need More Help?
Email: publicadvisor.puc@state.mn.us
Call the Commission @ 651-296-0406
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Pipeline Route Permit
Permit Process:
For pipeline projects expected to have significant environmental impacts in Minnesota, the applicant must get a pipeline route permit. Once the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) determines that the application is ready for review, they and the Department of Commerce Energy Environmental Review and Analysis (EERA) organize public meetings in each county where the pipeline would go through. These meetings are held to gather public comments and to consider additional proposals for alternative routes.
The Commission then decides which alternative routes should be looked into further and the EERA conducts an environmental review on both the applicant's proposed route and any identified alternatives.
At least one public hearing is scheduled where an administrative law judge (ALJ) oversees the proceedings. During this hearing, members of the public can share their thoughts and ask questions. The ALJ then prepares a detailed report called Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Recommendation after the hearings are concluded. This report gives a thorough review of the entire process and the information collected.
Once the ALJ's report is filed in the official docket, the Commission examines the entire record. The Commission then holds a public agenda meeting to discuss the matter and to make a decision about whether to issue a permit for the project.
Click on image for a downloadable and printable version of the process
Permitting timeline: 9 months, this may be extended for good cause.
The PUC role: The Commission reviews applications, helps build the record, and the Commissioners will make the final decision about issuing a pipeline route permit.
Who’s involved
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Department of Commerce – Energy Environmental Review & Analysis (DOC EERA)
Office of Administrative Hearings – Administrative Law Judge
Permit Applicant
To learn more about relevant statutes and rules, go to the Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Relevant Statutes: Minn. Stat. §216G/Minn. Rules Chapter 7852
Need More Help?
Email: publicadvisor.puc@state.mn.us
Call the Commission @ 651-296-0406
