ST. CLOUD -- Safety concerns have led the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to cancel two public hearings on Enbridge Energy's proposed Line 3 Replacement Project.

The hearings were scheduled at the River's Edge Convention Center for 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

According to a release from the Public Utilities Commission, the City of St. Cloud advised them of safety and logistical issues related to the multiple events happening at River's Edge Thursday.

St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis says the city had a lot of concerns, considering previous public hearings on this issue.

"There's security issues,  particularly in a case like this. Where a number of these public hearings have had public safety issues and protests."

The commission and the Office of Administrative Hearings have held 16 of these hearings around the state over the last several weeks to gather public input on Enbridge's proposal to replace its existing 282-mile pipeline.

The Line 3 pipeline runs from the North Dakota border to Superior, Wisconsin.

The Duluth hearing was cut short last week, as protesters shouted “shut it down” leading officials to adjourn early. Afterward, Enbridge and the Jobs for Minnesotan’s coalition denounced what they called intimidation tactics.

Tribal and environmental groups say the project threatens pristine waters where wild rice grows. Enbridge and its supporters say Line 3 is a needed piece of infrastructure, and that replacing it will make it safer while creating jobs.

Several groups had planned to protest during the public hearings Thursday.

The Associated Press Contributed to this story.

More From AM 1240 WJON