A proposed oil pipeline that would stretch from the Bakken formation to Patoka, Illinois wouldn’t cut through Brown County in South Dakota, but a site just west of Aberdeen is serving as a temporary home to dozens of miles of pipe.
The Aberdeen American News reports that farmer Todd Ochsner has rented out a tract of land near his grain elevator to house the pipe for the Dakota Access Pipeline.
The proposed $3.8 billion pipeline would cut through 272 miles in South Dakota, but the state’s Public Utilities Commission hasn’t approved the project.
The Texas energy company expects to invest more than $500 million on the central Illinois section of an oil pipeline that would carry crude oil from South Dakota.
Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners indicated in filings with state regulators that the company plans to begin construction by the end of 2015 and to begin pumping oil through the line in 2016.
The corridor crosses parts of Hancock, Adams, Schuyler, Brown, Pike, Morgan, Scott, Macoupin, Montgomery, Bond, Fayette and Marion counties.
The Dakota Access Pipeline ultimately would carry crude oil to Gulf Coast refineries by connecting to an existing pipeline network at Patoka.
In similar news, Enbridge says Mainline pipeline construction is scheduled to start June 1, and they expect 800-900 workers will likely arrive in our area sometime in May, and will be looking for places to rent.