The Keystone Pipeline, to be built through eastern North Dakota to carry Canadian crude oil from Alberta to Illinois refineries, is a significant development of great benefit to the U.S. and pipelines are necessary to meet our petroleum needs. What the public needs to be aware of is the proposed route of the pipeline.
The first area of concern is where the route runs between Walhalla and the spectacular Pembina Gorge. This is truly a very beautiful, unique area of rough, forested terrain. Another area of equal beauty is where the pipeline would cross the Sheyenne River between the Little Yellowstone Park and Fort Ransom State Park, cutting through the heart of this precious wooded valley. The route parallels the Sheyenne River for 35 miles and comes within two or three miles of Lake Ashtabula at one point, which someday will be an important source of water for all the cities in the Red River Valley.
The route will be grubbed out through these unique, scenic areas, of which we have so few. And vehicle access must be maintained indefinitely. Think of trying to minimize and contain a leak in the rough, forested terrain of the areas mentioned.
The route was moved once to avoid the Fordville Aquifer. Wouldn't the Sheyenne River be exposed to the same perils? The state has several highways running north and south through it. Would it be too simple to use the right of way already established for them? It sure would provide good access for maintenance and also containment of a possible leak. The old adage "where there's a will, there's a way" could prevail if the Public Service Commission is willing to stand up and serve the public as they are expected to do. The PSC will be holding hearings before considering a route permit. Hearings are July 23 in Valley City and July 24 in Park River.
I encourage all interested to view the proposed route on the Keystone Web site: www.transcanada.com/keystone/ and to voice your opinion to the PSC, soon, at ndpsc@nd.gov .
