Bridger Pipeline outlines Montana route, regulators’ review and local impacts for Carter County

Bridger Pipeline representatives told the Carter County Commission on May 6 that the company’s planned 36‑inch crude pipeline will travel through Carter County as part of a larger Canada‑to‑Guernsey project and is proceeding through federal and state regulatory review.

Ken Dockweiler, a Bridger representative, said the company began regulatory filings earlier this year and completed a public scoping period; regulators are processing public comments and Bridger expects a draft environmental impact statement by fall 2026, with a final EIS and potential regulatory approvals about a year later. Dockweiler said the company’s current construction target is late 2027 with operations possibly in 2028 if approvals and surveys proceed on schedule.

The briefing focused on county-level impacts and mitigation. Dockweiler told commissioners the company will seek road‑use agreements to define traffic routes for heavy pipe and equipment and will work with county engineers on bridge and road limitations. “We’d like to hear from you on roads or bridges you do not want used,” he said, adding that Bridger will propose routes and ask counties to identify sensitive stretches.

Commissioners and county staff pressed Bridger about dust control, limited local water supplies and invasive‑weed risks. Dockweiler said Bridger will include vehicle and equipment‑wash requirements in its plan of development to reduce spread of invasive species and will coordinate with county weed supervisors. “Cleaning equipment before it moves on and off the right of way is part of our plan,” he said, and offered to connect Bridger staff with the county weed supervisor for technical coordination.

Officials also raised questions about pump‑station power demands and potential impacts on local electric cooperatives. Dockweiler said Bridger will collaborate with utilities to build or finance needed distribution and that construction costs to extend service typically fall to the project. “We are a large power user and will work with cooperatives to source and regulate the power,” he said.

The company also discussed environmental survey work underway this spring — including cultural resource and species surveys on BLM and private lands — and said the project team will share county‑level maps and a list of proposed routes once finalized. Dockweiler encouraged local input on specific routes, bridges and weed concerns and said the company will coordinate security plans with county sheriffs as construction proceeds.

County commissioners asked Bridger to provide more detailed, county‑specific mapping and to meet with local emergency management and road crews as plans firm up. Dockweiler agreed to follow up with the county weed supervisor and emergency managers to refine mitigation measures and route plans.

Next steps: Bridger will share county maps and proposed road‑use details, and regulators will continue EIS drafting and public review. Commissioners said they expect further, more detailed conversations about road agreements, weed control, water and power before any construction decisions are considered.