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Rights-of-Way Projects
Exxon Mobil Silvertip
The Montana DNRC is beginning the process of completing an EA on Public Trust land that is located between the low water marks of the Yellowstone River in the SW¼SW¼ of Section 15, Township 2 South, Range 24 East in Yellowstone County. ExxonMobil Pipeline Company has applied for a Land Use License from the DNRC to temporarily occupy the bed of the Yellowstone River south of Laurel in order to remove the segment of the ruptured Silvertip Pipeline that is located between the high water marks of the Yellowstone River. Prior to commencing extrication, ExxonMobil will send divers into the Yellowstone River to visually assess the condition of the pipeline and any nearby debris to determine the best method of removal. It is expected that some portions of the pipeline can be removed by crane without disturbance of the river bottom, while other areas will require trenching. The area that will most likely require trenching is the gravel bar/island and high water channel which are located near the north shore of the river, east of the US Highway 212/310 Bridge.
Previously, ExxonMobil Pipeline Company applied for and received a Temporary Construction License from the State in order to install a new section of 12" diameter pipeline for the Silvertip Pipeline, in advance of an Easement application. The new section of pipeline is currently being installed by Horizontal Directional Drilling beneath the bed of the Yellowstone River. The pipeline will be at least 42' below the existing riverbed, with the majority of the pipeline exceeding 48' below the bed of the Yellowstone River. An easement application has also been submitted to the DNRC Southern Land Office and it is anticipated to be considered by the Montana Board of Land Commissioners at their October 2011 meeting.
- October 14
- September 27
- September 12
