WATFORD CITY – The North Dakota Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing in Watford City on June 11, regarding a proposal to convert an existing crude oil pipeline into a transmission line. The approximately 20-mile long, 8-inch diameter existing pipeline is located in McKenzie County.

Belle Fourche Pipeline Co. has submitted an application to convert its existing gathering pipeline into a transmission line. The project consists of multiple connecting pipeline segments that have been laid from 1978 to 2012. The maximum throughput of the pipeline is 43,200 barrels per day. No new construction will occur as part of this conversion project.

The company estimates the cost of the system at approximately $16 million, but the exact amount is difficult to estimate due to the system being built in multiple sections over different time periods.

The pipeline originates at the Wilson Station in McKenzie County, about six miles south of Watford City, and runs 20 miles to the Bowline Junction Station located 19 miles southeast of Alexander.

The hearing begins at 9 a.m. in Teddy’s Residential Suites.