Powder River Basin Could See Major Pipeline Expansion Project
Eastern Wyoming’s Powder River Basin, an area where Oklahoma oil and gas operators, including Devon Energy, are busy, could seen a new pipeline project that some say would be a replacement for the cancelled Keystone XL pipeline.
The new proposal by Casper-based Bridger Pipeline, would be a new “expansion” to ship Canadian crude oil to a storage site near Guernsey and also interconnect to other pipelines. Supporters claim it would give Powder River Basin producers a leg up in the North American market.
645-Mile Crude Oil Line Proposed
The 645-mile line would stretch from Phillips County, Montana to Bridger’s oil storage terminal at Guernsey, reported WyoFile.
“It would be the biggest project in our history, if it comes to fruition,” Bridger Pipeline spokesperson Bill Salvin told WyoFile on Friday. “We are, however, in the really early stages of the project. But we’re very excited about it.”
The expansion would total 550,000 barrels a day of crude oil.
The Wyoming segment would pass through Crook, Weston, Niobrara, Goshen and Platte counties.
Regulatory Filings Underway
Bridger Pipeline, a subsidiary of Casper-based True Companies, submitted a notice of intent to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality in January and noted it will formally initiate environmental applications to the agency. Salvin told WyoFile he’s uncertain about the full spectrum of regulatory requirements in Wyoming.
The proposal comes as producers in the Powder River Basin continue to look for expanded takeaway capacity to move crude oil to broader markets. Pipeline access remains a critical component for upstream operators, including those with Oklahoma ties, seeking competitive transportation routes amid shifting North American supply dynamics.
Supporters suggest that by connecting Canadian crude flows with existing storage and pipeline infrastructure near Guernsey, the project could enhance regional integration and provide additional market flexibility.
Click here for WyoFile