YANKTON - Federal officials holding a hearing at Yankton on a proposed crude-oil pipeline that would pass through eastern South Dakota heard from several people who say the TransCanada Keystone pipeline does not fully consider the impact on water supplies and wildlife.

One person, however, says the pipeline route makes sense.

James Unruh of Marion, a civil engineer who lives along the route, disagreed with those who say it should run parallel to Interstate 29. That would be costly and dangerous near highway interchanges and in cities, Unruh said.

"It might look feasible to put this pipeline in the (I-29) right of way when you're out in the open areas where there is 300 feet of right of way, but it would be very difficult, very dangerous and likely cost-prohibitive to continue that line through the urban areas or wherever there is an interchange," he said.

A Vermillion man, John Davidson, said the potential environmental impact of a proposed Union County oil refinery along the pipeline route should be considered.

Pipeline officials denied any knowledge of the proposed Elk Point oil refinery before it was announced publicly in June.

Elizabeth Orlando, a State Department official, said the Yankton meeting was the most productive she's attended so far.

"They were able to pinpoint specific things in the draft EIS and say, 'I don't think you did a good job there,'" she said. "That's what we're looking for."

A presidential permit could be issued as early as January if federal officials believe the pipeline is in the national interest.

Preservation of the Missouri National Recreational River is a big concern, said Ron Grandi of Tabor. A draft environmental impact statement "glosses over" potential pollution and damage that the pipeline could do to the waterway if there was a leak where it crosses the Missouri east of Yankton, Grandi said.

"I find it to be a national gem we have right here in our backyard," he said. "To put the pipeline across the Missouri River at that point, I find it to be unacceptable and obscene. Shame on Gov. (Mike) Rounds for putting that at risk."

The pipeline will be too close to some homes, said state Sen. Frank Kloucek, D-Scotland.

"We have major businesses and homes right along the route," Kloucek said. "Within 300 feet is just plain too close for human life."

Some at the hearing said they couldn't believe that a federal agency, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, has granted TransCanada a waiver to use thinner steel for its pipe.

"It seems like the people of South Dakota don't mean much," Jerry Glanzer of Bridgewater said. "We can cut the thickness of our pipe if it leaks on the rural people. That's no concern to the people in Washington."

On the Net: www.keystonepipeline.state.gov