The North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) recently approved a USD $125 million crude oil pipeline project that will cross Lake Sakakawea. The Commissioners, who supported the project unanimously, are taking several steps to minimize potential impacts to the lake, including boring at least 100 feet under the lakebed.
At the PSC’s request, the company added an extra valve on the east side of the lake that can be closed in the event of an emergency to reduce the amount of oil that could potentially spill into the lake. In addition, the pipeline will be continuously monitored from a control center in Oklahoma and the operator will have personnel and equipment stationed nearby for emergency spill response.
Sacagawea Pipeline Co. is a joint venture with Paradigm Energy Partners, Phillips 66, and Greywolf Midstream. The pipeline will transport 140,000 barrels of crude oil per day to the rail terminal owned by Phillips 66.