Enbridge: Sandpiper Pipeline Delayed Until 2019

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Enbridge Energy Partners says it expects to push back until 2019 the start-up dates for its proposed Sandpiper pipeline and a replacement for its existing Line 3 pipeline because of a court-ordered environmental review.

Company officials told analysts Wednesday the projects probably won't go into service until early 2019. The company previously said 2017. They also expect costs will be a little bit higher, but declined to say how much.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled in August that Sandpiper requires a full environmental impact statement before the state can grant a certificate of need.

Sandpiper would carry North Dakota crude oil across northern Minnesota to Enbridge's terminal in Superior, Wisconsin. The aging Line 3 carries Canadian crude and its replacement would share part of the same route as Sandpiper.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)