Oil Pipeline Developers Want ND Route Changes
Developers of the Keystone oil pipeline want to make 49 changes in its proposed route through eastern North Dakota.
North Dakota`s Public Service Commission has scheduled an informal hearing on May 21 to discuss the company`s wish list.
And the commissioners say people who are interested in the pipeline`s route have until May 19 to request a formal hearing.
The Public Service Commission granted the project`s route permit in February.
Commissioner Kevin Cramer says Keystone wants an unusually high number of route changes. But he says it appears many, if not most, of them appear to be minor.
The pipeline is designed to carry crude oil from Alberta to locations in Illinois and Oklahoma. Its North Dakota route runs for 218 miles, and goes through eight eastern North Dakota counties.
Keystone`s developers hope to finish the pipeline`s North Dakota construction by the end of the year.
Opponents of the pipeline have filed a lawsuit in district court, challenging the Public Service Commission`s decision to award a construction permit.
Some landowners are also fighting TransCanada`s efforts to acquire land that`s needed for the project.
