By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Aug. 9 -- TransCanada has made minor adjustments to its proposed 1,870-mile Keystone Pipeline route after preliminary discussions with potential shippers and key stakeholder groups this summer. The company said it plans to call for a binding open season this month to establish throughput agreements.
The $1.7 billion project, announced in February, would transport 400,000 b/d of crude oil from Hardisty, Alta., to Wood River and Patoka, Ill. (OGJ Feb. 11, 2005, Newsletter).
About 1,000 miles of new pipeline in the US will cross portions of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois, and 15 new pump stations will be required. Canadian construction includes 100 miles of new pipeline and the conversion of 770 miles of existing natural gas pipeline to carry crude oil.
TransCanada held meetings this spring and summer with community leaders in the five US states and across the three westernmost Canadian provinces. Plans call for the submission of major regulatory applications late this year. TransCanada hopes to start construction in 2008 and put the system in service in 2009.
The project competes with an $895 million pipeline expansion planned by Enbridge Energy Partners LP, Calgary, also involving delivery of 400,000 b/d of crude oil, from Hardisty to Chicago (OGJ, Aug. 8, 2005, Newsletter).