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ND PSC adopts ALJ findings, clears route permit and certificate for 14.7‑mile crude pipeline project
Summary
The North Dakota Public Service Commission adopted an administrative law judge—s recommended findings in case PUD-24-311, approving a consolidated certificate of public convenience/capability and route permit for a roughly 14.72‑mile, 8‑inch crude oil pipeline.
Bismarck, N.D. — The North Dakota Public Service Commission on Jan. 20 adopted an administrative law judge—s recommended findings and granted a consolidated certificate and route permit for a crude-oil pipeline project described in case PUD-24-311.
Commissioner Sherry Haugenhofer moved to accept the ALJ—s recommended findings of fact and conclusions of law; Commissioner Jill Pringstedt seconded. The commission approved the motion by voice vote.
Nut graf: The project before the commission covers approximately 14.72 miles of existing 8-inch-diameter pipeline that the applicant proposes to upgrade with additional safety features, and the ALJ—s order found studies and consultations sufficient to support siting and environmental conclusions.
Haugenhofer outlined the application and its procedural history on the record, saying the consolidated application was filed Aug. 5 and a public hearing was held Dec. 10. She described the line as originating at the Anu Oil Terminal in Williams County and terminating at the Alexander Oil Terminal in McKenzie County. According to the materials Haugenhofer summarized, the pipeline was constructed circa 2012, was later taken out of service and drained and filled with nitrogen in late 2017 or early 2018, and was acquired by the current applicant in January 2021.
The ALJ—s recommended order, as summarized by Haugenhofer, says the applicant evaluated cultural resources (including a Class I literature review and a Class III inventory), coordinated with the State Historic Preservation Office, and received a SHPO letter stating there are no adverse direct effects. The applicant has, according to the summary, obtained necessary easements and right-of-way agreements, will install leak-detection and isolation valves (including valves on both sides of the Missouri River), and has complied with applicable safety laws and standards. Haugenhofer said the estimated project cost is approximately $1,000,000 and the applicant anticipates in-service in the third quarter of 2025.
The commission did not record any written protest or vote tally beyond the unanimous voice approval on the item during the meeting.
The order adoption places the ALJ—s findings on the record and allows the applicant to proceed under the terms of the certificate and permit as described in the ALJ order.
