A new oil pipeline project is in the works.
Paradigm Midstream Services is proposing a 78 mile pipeline to run from oil fields in McKenzie County to Mountrail County. Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak says the company at this point hasn’t filed any route or corridor plans – but is asking the PSC for designation of “public convenience and necessity.”
"It would have the capacity to carry 230,000 barrels per day," said Fedorchak. "The main purpose is to take crude from McKenzie County south of the Missouri River and transport it up to some of the rail and pipeline facilities, particularly the Enbridge Sandpiper pipeline, which is north of the river."
Fedorchak says the pipeline would have to cross Lake Sakakawea – and she says the company is planning to put the pipe underground. She says that’s a little more complicated – because the Army Corps of Engineers would have to give the company the go-ahead to put the pipe under the lake.
'In the past, we have put all of our orders as contingent upon receiving the permit from the Corps," said Fedorchak. "In the case of the BakkenLink pipeline, which does the same thing, they built the segments south of the river, and are still waiting for the permit from the Corps."
The pipe would be 16 inches to 20 inches in diameter.
