BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A proposed oil pipeline in northwestern North Dakota would take on added importance if the Dakota Access pipeline is shut down, according to the developer of the McKenzie County project.
Bridger Pipeline wants to convert 27 miles of an oil gathering pipeline into a transmission line and extend it by more than 2 miles. The state Public Service Commission has scheduled hearing on the proposal March 22.
The application by Bridger, part of True Companies, alludes to the potential shutdown of the Dakota Access pipeline that will be discussed in a federal court hearing scheduled next month. A judge has asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers why the pipeline should continue to run while the Corps conducts a detail environmental survey.
Bridger said its proposed pipeline segment “will be a vital part of an alternative route out of North Dakota in the event of a shutdown of the other pipelines leaving the Williston Basin.”
The completed line would run from Johnson’s Corner east of Watford City to Bridger’s Wilson Station south of the community. Oil eventually would make its way to Gurnsey, Wyoming, and then to other markets.
