Enbridge to Double Carrying Capacity of Line 3 Tar Sands Pipeline

From:  EcoNews

By Heather Libby

In its largest capital project in history, Enbridge plans to do what Transcanada so far can’t—ship more than half a million barrels of heavy oil across the U.S. border without President Barack Obama’s direct approval.

Graphic courtesy of Enbridge

Late Monday evening, Enbridge announced plans for its largest capital project in history— a $7 billion replacement of its Line 3 pipeline.

The existing Line 3 pipeline is part of Enbridge’s extensive Mainline system. The 34-inch pipe was installed in 1968 and currently carries light oil 1,660 km from Edmonton, Alberta, to Superior, WI. 

While the Line 3 pipeline currently has a maximum shipping capacity of 390,000 barrels of light crude oil per day, pumping stations along the line have a much larger capacity (and can accommodate heavier oils). Enbridge plans to take advantage of this. Under the company’s replacement plans, the new Line 3 pipeline will be widened by two inches, and built “using the latest available high-strength steel and coating technology.” By the time it goes into service in 2017, Line 3 will ship 760,000 barrels of oil across the border every day, nearly double what it currently moves.   MORE