PIERRE - A state hearing on a proposed pipeline that would
pump crude oil through eastern South Dakota will be held in the
first two weeks of December, the state Public Utilities Commission
decided Tuesday.
The hearing will start Dec. 3 and could run through Dec.
14.
The three members of the PUC decided that all people giving
formal testimony during the hearing must file written testimony in
advance, but the PUC also will hold a separate public meeting at
about the same time so commissioners can hear nontechnical opinions
from the public.
The TransCanada Keystone Pipeline is seeking PUC approval of
the South Dakota portion of the $2.1 billion pipeline that would
run 1,845 miles from Hardisty, Alberta, to Patoka, Ill., with a
possible extension to Oklahoma.
The company wants to negotiate easements with landowners along
the route, including those who live on the 220-mile path through
South Dakota. Many landowners are worried about possible leaks or
other problems.
TransCanada hopes to start construction next spring and have
the pipeline operating by 2009.
The company intends to ship 435,000 barrels of crude oil a day
through a 30-inch, pressurized pipe with expansion capacity to
nearly 600,000 barrels a day.
Much of Tuesday's meeting focused on whether everyone who
testifies in December's hearing would be required to file written
testimony in advance.
Aberdeen lawyer Rodrick Tobin, representing people who
question the pipeline project, argued that some people should be
allowed to speak at the formal hearing without filing written
testimony in advance. Many people who would be affected by the
proposed pipeline but are not represented by lawyers would not be
comfortable writing formal testimony, he said.
But Pierre lawyer Brett Koenecke, representing TransCanada,
said the company has the right to know in advance what testimony
will be presented so it can respond during the formal
hearing.
The commission settled on the two-pronged approach to provide
as much public comment as possible.
The informal meeting will give people a chance to express
their opinions and feelings about the project, said PUC Chairman
Dusty Johnson. Testimony at the formal hearing will focus on the
issues the commission is legally required to consider in making its
decision, he said.
The PUC also gave its staff permission to hire its own experts
to help in the case.
