Keystone Pipeline Hearings Begin Monday
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail6371.cfm?Id=0,58147
06/22/2007
Plans to build a 220 mile underground oil pipeline in eastern South Dakota have unearthed plenty of questions from landowners affected by the project. They'll have a chance to get some answers during a series of public meetings next week.
The Keystone pipeline would deliver more than 400,000 barrels of Canadian crude a day through South Dakota to its final destination in Illinois. Starting Monday, South Dakotans living on - and near - the pipeline's path can meet with the TransCanada company to voice their questions and concerns.
Crude would join corn as a prized commodity in South Dakota fields if the TransCanada company gets the go-ahead for its pipeline project. But farmers are anxious to see the fine print. PUC Chairman Dusty Johnson said, "When you're a farmer, you're making your living off the land so I think you're very concerned making sure the long-term that land is still going to provide crops and do what you need to do to make a living."
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission oversees pipelines throughout the state. So commissioners are scrutinizing TransCanada's plans with an eye toward economics and the environment. Johnson said, "One of the statutes that we look at is we want to make sure the pipeline doesn't interfere with the orderly economic development of a region."
Johnson says the state wants assurances that wildlife won't be disrupted during construction of the pipeline. Plus there are environmental issues once the crude starts flowing through the pipe. "Is there potential leakage? How quickly could a leak be protected? How quickly could it be contained?"
South Dakota is no stranger to underground pipelines. A network of natural gas lines criss-cross the state. But since this would be the state's first oil pipeline questions are sure accompany the project from beginning to end. "I think the details are what is really important with this pipeline."
The PUC will hold hearings over three days next week. Monday morning, they'll meet in Yankton, followed by a meeting that night in Alexandria. Tuesday night's hearing will be in Clark. The final meeting will be at noon Wednesday in Britton.
We'll have more on the pipeline project with PUC Chairman Dusty Johnson on Inside KELOLAND this Sunday.
