Enbridge delays pipeline for at least a year

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Enbridge Energy Partners is delaying the Sandpiper pipeline project through Minnesota.

The Calgary, Alberta-based company disclosed the delay in a filing Tuesday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Enbridge says the $2.6 billion crude oil pipeline was expected to be ready to begin service in early 2016. But because of a “long than expected permitting process” in Minnesota, the company now estimates the pipeline won’t be in service until 2017.

Minnesota regulators recently requested an expanded study of possible routes for the pipeline through the state.

Enbridge wants to build the 610-mile pipeline through northern Minnesota to carry North Dakota oil to Wisconsin.