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Bloomington hoping to get involved in pipeline project
By M.K. Guetersloh
mkguetersloh@pantagraph.com
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BLOOMINGTON -- A crude oil pipeline proposed to run east of Bloomington has raised questions from the city about the city’s possible growth and protecting the city’s water supply.

Enbridge Inc., a Canadian company, is planning to run a 170-mile pipeline from just outside Pontiac to Patoka. The possible route of the proposed pipeline will run less than a mile from the city’s farthest eastern boundary.

The city has filed a petition with the Illinois Commerce Commission to be an intervener in the case Enbridge has before the state board. Being classified as an intervener would give the city access to the documents in the case and the chance to offer testimony at an ICC hearing, said Bloomington city attorney Todd Greenburg.

The city is the third government to file as an intervener in the case. The village of Downs and McLean County have already filed.

Mayor Steve Stockton said the action does not mean the city opposes Enbridge’s plans, but it provides the city an opportunity to receive information.

“There was no real downside to filing to participate,” Stockton said. “We have some questions we want answered.”

The pipeline would cross Money Creek, which is a part of the Lake Bloomington watershed, so the city wants to be informed of what is happening in the case, Stockton said. Lake Bloomington and Evergreen Lake provide the city’s water.

The effect of the pipeline on the Mackinaw River watershed will be the focus of the Mackinaw River Watershed Council’s annual meeting 7 p.m. Thursday at the Interstate Center, 2301 W. Market St., Bloomington.

The proposed route within a mile of the city has city officials worried the pipeline could create a boundary limiting the city’s future growth to the east.

“With it so close, we are concerned about what we need to know about a pipeline and what we need to be concerned about when it comes to growth,” Stockton said.

Enbridge is seeking a petition to use eminent domain to could force the sale of property along the pipeline route at fair market value. The next hearing before the ICC is scheduled for Dec. 21.



Pipeline talk



Who: Mackinaw River Watershed Council

What: Discussion of the effect of Enbridge Inc.’s proposed crude oil pipeline on the Mackinaw River watershed

When: 7 p.m. Thursday

Where: Interstate Center, 2301 W. Market St., Bloomington.

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Reader comments on this story - 2 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Insider wrote on Nov 28, 2007 8:21 AM:

" This pipeline construction is needed to transport the crude product to the gulf, where it can be shipped to China for refining. It will not benefit the U.S. market. "

Pipeline talk wrote on Nov 28, 2007 5:43 AM:

" I believe many Sheikh's of Kuwait will thumbs down this project too. "
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