The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission seeks public comment on its draft environmental impact statement prepared to analyze the potential impact of a new 302.5 mile interstate natural gas pipeline project proposed by Bison Pipeline, L.L.C.  The proposal may be viewed online at ferc.gov, under “What’s New.”

The project would transport an estimated 477 million cubic feet of natural gas per day from a point near Dead Horse, Wyo., through southeastern Montana and southwestern North Dakota to an interconnection with facilities owned by Northern Border Pipeline Company, located in Morton County, to serve markets in the Midwest and Northeast U.S.  FERC Staff will host four comment meetings in the affected areas to provide an opportunity for the public to provide oral comments. A meeting in Glen Ullin has been planned for Monday, Sept. 21, at Sacred Heart Church, located at 208 Ash Ave. E., and will take place in the parish hall. It will run from 6 to 8 p.m. local time.

Based on the analysis, FERC staff concludes that construction and operation of the Bison Pipeline Project would result in some adverse environmental impacts. “However, we believe that environmental impacts would be reduced to less than significant levels if the proposed project is constructed and operated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, Bison’s proposed mitigation and additional measures we recommend in this draft EIS,” the staff’s notice states.

Comments may also be submitted in written or verbal form. Written comments must cite the project’s docket number, CP09-161-000, and may be submitted online at ferc.gov or submitted by mail to FERC; Office of the Secretary; Washington, DC 20426. Written comments must be submitted to FERC by Oct. 12.

After comments have been received and reviewed, FERC staff will prepare a Final EIS, which will include their final recommendations to the commission. This document will be available for public viewing but will not be open to public comment. 

For more information, call 502-8680.