 An official with Enbridge Energy testified Wednesday that the company's aging line three crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota is increasingly subject to corrosion and cracking and that its maintenance needs are expected to grow rapidly unless the company is allowed to replace it. The testimony launched a 12-day trial-like evidentiary hearing before Administrative Law Judge Anne O'Reilly and will give officially recognized parties on both sides a chance to question the opposing side's witnesses. All 60 witnesses scheduled to testify filed the written testimony earlier so the focus is on cross-examination. Line three carries crude oil from Alberta through North Dakota and Minnesota to Enbridge's terminal in Superior, Wisconsin. Enbridge wants to replace 282 miles of the 1960s era pipeline in Minnesota with a new 337 mile pipeline on a partially different route. It's a route that would take it through the Mississippi River headwaters region and areas where Native American tribes still hold treaty rights including prime wild rice lakes. The PUC is expected to make its decision known in late April. A different Administrative Law Judge Eric Lipman recommended today that the PUC formally declare that the final environmental impact statement for the project meets the legal requirements but he also noted that the adequacy of the document was vigorously disputed. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland news please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.