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City staying informed on proposed pipeline
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.

The effect of the pipeline on the Mackinaw River watershed will be the focus of the Mackinaw River Watershed Council’s annual meeting today.

The proposed route within a mile of the city has officials worried the pipeline could create a boundary limiting eastern growth.

“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 - 6 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.

to: Wendy wrote on Nov 29, 2007 5:31 PM:

" Underground? Every long distance pipline I have ever seen is above ground. "

Wendy wrote on Nov 29, 2007 5:02 PM:

" At least the windmills are capturing a truly renewable energy resource-windy all the time-and the electricity being captured is sent to Chicago on ComEd power lines that have bben running thru the farmland for almost 40 years. What difference is there with crude oil piped underground and over the river and through the woods next to grandma's house. "

to: concerned wrote on Nov 29, 2007 12:20 PM:

" Holy Cow. Run these guys out of town NOW. "

concerned wrote on Nov 29, 2007 11:27 AM:

" Look what happned in Minnesota. Same pipe line same company. money.cnn.com/2007/11/29/markets/oil.ap/index.htm?postversion=2007112910 "

Ya Think ??? wrote on Nov 29, 2007 11:08 AM:

" Let's see, the water supply for the City, the Mackinaw watershed, and of course, the undeniable beauty of an oil pipeline running through your City or neighborhood. All with apparently zero benefits to the City or County. Yeah, I guess that could screw up the City’s long-term plans. Let’s send our Canadian friends back to their drawing board. "

not needed wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:37 AM:

" i don't think we need this. let's stop this now before it gets out of control like the windmills. "
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