Energy firm seeks OK for $500M oil pipeline through central Illinois

A 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 pipeline would cross portions of a dozen central Illinois counties, including Morgan, Macoupin and Montgomery counties.

An estimated 2,000 construction and related jobs would be created, according to the application filed Dec. 22 at the Illinois Commerce Commission. Energy Transfer Partners also asked for eminent domain powers as a last resort for land acquisition.

“We are continuing our outreach. We’re trying to work with landowners on the proposed routes,” Energy Transfer Partners spokeswoman Vicki Granado said. “It’s never our first choice (eminent domain) in terms of how we do business. We never want to use it.”

In addition to public comments accepted by the ICC, additional public information forums are expected. A date for an initial status hearing on the proposed pipeline has not been set, according to the ICC.

Energy Transfer Partners held landowner information meetings in Litchfield and Jacksonville in September.

The 30-inch pipeline would carry 450,000 barrels of crude oil per day, according to the Illinois regulatory filing. Plans include an agreement with the Illinois Department of Agriculture for restoration of farmland.

Full story here.

If you think you may be affected by the Dakota Access Oil Pipeline Project and/or are interested in a free consultation, contact our eminent domain landowner attorneys at 1-888-318-3761 or visit us on the web at www.landownerattorneys.com.