Pipeline permitting in Minnesota

Information Book approval

• This process applies to smaller hazardous liquid pipelines that may not require a full permit from the PUC.
• When it applies: For pipelines less than six inches in nominal diameter and operating at pressures below 275 psi. While a full permit may not be required, applicants may still need to qualify for and obtain an Information Book approval.
• Applicant requirements: Applicants must adhere to the content and timing requirements specified in state statute.
• Permitting timeline: Typically 45 days.
• PUC's role: The Commission makes the final decision on the proposed action.
• Who's involved:
  • Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
  • Permit Applicant

Relevant statutes and rules: For detailed information, refer to the Office of the Revisor of Statutes: 

Minn. Stat. 216G.03 to 216G.05

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Partial Exemption process

Applicants who believe their pipeline project will have minimal impacts on people and the environment may request a partial exemption from certain pipeline route selection rules.

• Permitting process:
  1. Request submission: The applicant submits a request for a partial exemption to the PUC.
  2. Commission review: The PUC decides whether to consider the partial exemption request.
  3. Public involvement: If the request is considered, the process begins with public notification, distribution of the application, a comment period, and public meetings in each affected county.
  4. Commission decision: After gathering all information, the Commission decides whether to grant the partial exemption.
• Permitting timeline: Typically within 90 days of application acceptance.
• PUC's role: The Commission reviews applications, helps build the official record, and Commissioners make the final decision on issuing a pipeline route permit.
• Who's involved:
  • Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
  • Permit Applicant

Relevant statutes and rules: For detailed information, refer to the Office of the Revisor of Statutes: 

• Minn. Stat. 216G
• Minn. Rules 7852.0600-7852.0700
• Minn. Rules 7852.2000-7852.3000

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Pipeline route permit

This is the standard process for pipeline projects anticipated to have significant environmental impacts.

• Permit Process:
  1. Application readiness: Once the PUC determines the application is ready for review, public meetings are organized in each county through which the pipeline would pass. These meetings gather public comments and consider alternative route proposals.
  2. Alternative route investigation: The Commission decides which alternative routes warrant further investigation. PUC staff then conduct an environmental review of both the applicant's proposed route and any identified alternatives.
  3. Public hearing: At least one public hearing is scheduled and overseen by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) from the Office of Administrative Hearings. During this hearing, the public can share thoughts and ask questions.
  4. ALJ Report: After the hearings, the ALJ prepares a detailed report titled "Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Recommendation," which thoroughly reviews the entire process and collected information.
  5. Commission decision: 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 make a final decision on whether to issue a permit for the project.
• Permitting timeline: Approximately nine months, though this may be extended for good cause.
• PUC's role: The Commission reviews applications, helps build the official record, and Commissioners make the final decision on issuing a pipeline route permit.
• Who's involved:
  • Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
  • Office of Administrative Hearings – Administrative Law Judge
  • Permit applicant

Relevant statutes and rules: For detailed information, refer to the Office of the Revisor of Statutes: 

• Minn. Stat. §216G
• Minn. Rules Chapter 7852

For information about Summit Carbon Solution's Otter Tail to Wilkin carbon dioxide pipeline, please go here

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