SD Regulators Begin Work On Oil Pipeline Permit

By CHET BROKAW

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota utilities regulators have started the formal process of considering TransCanada Keystone Pipeline's application to build a second crude oil pipeline through the state.

TransCanada already is building a pipeline through eastern South Dakota. The proposed Keystone XL pipeline is designed to run 313 miles through western South Dakota as part of a project to deliver Alberta tar sands crude oil to Gulf Coast terminals and refineries in Texas.

The state Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday allowed its staff to hire consultants to help evaluate the project. The three-member commission also assessed a filing fee not to exceed $660,700 on TransCanada Keystone to help cover the cost of the case.

TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, owned by affiliates of TransCanada Corp. and ConocoPhillips, filed its siting application with the commission March 12. People who want to take part as formal parties in the case have until May 11 to file as interveners. Forms for interveners are available on the commission's web site.

The commission also has scheduled informal public hearings on the project for noon on April 27 in Winner; 7 p.m. on April 27 in Philip; and 6 p.m. on April 28 in Buffalo. At those hearings, TransCanada will present information and respond to questions and comments from the public.