The Flanagan Terminal is a “pipeline breakout station” where six pipelines meet, including Line 61. Line 61 begins in Superior, WI and stretches diagonally across the state and into Illinois until reaching the Flanagan Terminal. Enbridge is requesting permission to construct a new storage tank for crude oil, make several changes to certain existing emission units, and change methods of operation for some existing units at the Terminal. This would allow Enbridge to increase its capacity and the amount of crude oil the Terminal is allowed to receive.
Enbridge has already succeeded in increasing the permitted capacity of Line 61 in Wisconsin, and is attempting to increase capacity of two more pipelines — Lines 4 and 67. These linest terminate in Superior, WI, and would provide the additional oil to bring Line 61 to full operating capacity. The increase of this capacity means that the Line 61 corridor will become the largest tar sands pipeline in North America, carrying 1.2 million barrels per day.
Enbridge’s continual extraction of tar sands emits high levels of carbon dioxide, destroys habitats and communities, and causes massive deforestation. In addition, Enbridge has had numerous oil spills that have resulted in polluting drinking water supplies as well as harming state economies and damaging ecosystems. We should be working to find alternative energy sources, not increasing our dependence on oil. The Illinois EPA is giving the public an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns about Enbridge’s proposed changes to the Flanagan Terminal, so it is important we take advantage of this opportunity.
Submit a public comment to the Illinois EPA Bureau of Air calling upon it to deny Enbridge’s permit to make structural and operational changes to the Flanagan Terminal. You can submit comments to the Illinois EPA until Monday, November 9th at midnight.
Enbridge should not be allowed to increase operations that could lead to more destruction and pollution of communities and ecosystems. Use your voice to hold Enbridge accountable and protect the health, safety, and well-being of communities near the Terminal and around the world.