MDU Resources Group Inc. subsidiary WBI Energy Inc., Bismark, ND, plans to construct 67 miles of pipeline, compression, and ancillary facilities to transport natural gas in the Bakken region. The North Bakken Expansion Project, as designed, would provide 200 MMcfd of gas transportation capacity starting near Tioga, ND, and extending to a new connection with Northern Border Pipeline in McKenzie County, ND.
Cost to construct the 20-in. pipeline and two associated compressor facilities is $220 million. Dependent on regulatory and environmental permitting and finalization of transportation agreements with customers, construction is expected to begin in early 2021 and be completed late that year.
An open season resulted in long-term transportation commitments from gas production, gathering, and processing companies.
WBI Energy will begin the prefiling process using the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s National Environmental Policy Act by late in this year’s first quarter. The final project design, route, and cost will be based on customer demand and final agreements, as well as the engagement of other project stakeholders through the prefiling process. If warranted by customer demand, the project could be expanded to provide transportation capacity of as much as 375 MMcfd.