PSC approves two Highland Crude pipeline permits in McKenzie County

The North Dakota Public Service Commission on Aug. 7 approved a pair of Highland Crude LLC applications for pipeline corridor compatibility and route permits in McKenzie County.
The commission approved the Gullickson Reroute Pipeline Project, an approximately 3.4‑mile, 8‑inch crude oil pipeline that will connect two existing Highland pipelines. Highland told the commission the project’s maximum operating pressure will be 1,440 psi, with a maximum design capacity of 80,000 barrels per day, an in‑service target of November 2025 and an estimated cost of about $9.5 million.
The commission also approved the Highland Express Spine Pipeline Project, a roughly 28.1‑mile, 10‑inch natural‑gas‑liquids pipeline with the same maximum operating pressure and design capacity, an anticipated in‑service date of March 2026 and an estimated cost of about $37.2 million.
Highland notified federal, state and local agencies including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers, North Dakota Game and Fish, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Department of Water Resources and McKenzie County entities. Highland identified one state archaeological site within the corridors and coordinated with SHPO; Highland testified the project routes avoid crossing that site and no impacts are anticipated.
The company said it will use horizontal directional drilling for wetland and water‑body crossings, implement a weed control plan, stormwater pollution prevention, dust control and waste management plans, install leak‑detection systems and conduct regular monitoring, internal inspections and foot patrols as required by U.S. Department of Transportation pipeline safety regulations.
The commission found the projects will produce minimal adverse effects if Highland implements the proposed mitigation and monitoring measures and approved certificates and route permits for both projects with no recorded dissent.