By Bishop Ann Svennungsen
Last week the public learned that, on January 21, 2021, Enbridge violated the approved construction plans for its Line 3 pipeline project, digging more than twice the depth permitted and rupturing an artesian aquifer near Clearbrook, Minnesota. The rupture created an uncontrolled flow of water and harmed a sensitive wetland area.
Further, the excess water created the risk of bank sloughing, road overtopping, and compromised water quality, adversely impacting the livelihoods of residents and the activities for hunters, fishers, hikers, and tourists in that area and beyond. And all this during one of the most significant recorded droughts on record.
Enbridge breached the aquifer, resulting in permanent environmental harm.
Enbridge also breached the trust of Minnesota’s citizens.
The biblical prophet Isaiah reminds the faithful of their calling to be “repairers of the breach, restorers of the streets” (Isaiah 58:12). In my elected role as Bishop of the Minneapolis Area Synod, I am compelled to speak out on behalf of those crying for repair and restoration. Further, I share with our congregations a deep commitment to accompany Indigenous communities in the affected areas and work to protect God’s creation.
Sensitive ecosystems were harmed by this breach. Fresh water desperately needed by both people and land has been squandered by this breach. An artesian aquifer is being drained by this breach. In times of intense drought, hotter temperatures, raging fires, and diminished biodiversity, these breaches of our waters are a deep breach of trust.
“To begin the process of rebuilding trust, there must be both an acknowledgement of the harm and a re-establishment of effective accountability to move forward.”
Further, this international company – charged with operating in the common good – failed to disclose the breach for months, in an attempt to finish construction of the pipeline before taking responsibility and facing accountability.
I’m concerned that, by ignoring the problem created by the breach of the aquifer, Enbridge has created an atmosphere wherein it cannot be trusted with even greater responsibilities of transporting tons of tar sands oil across the vital waterways of Minnesota.
To begin the process of rebuilding trust, there must be both an acknowledgement of the harm and a re-establishment of effective accountability to move forward.
The first step in this process is a cessation of construction and operation activities until independent inspectors have reviewed all deviations from construction plans. Independent inspectors must be allowed to observe the area. The damage to the aquifer and the surrounding areas must be rectified. Only then can a serious conversation about the future impact of this project with Enbridge begin.
The Rev. Ann Svennungsen is the Bishop of the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. She was first elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2018.