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Pipeline Files for Permits in Iowa and Illinois

geograph.uk.org

The company that wants to build a crude oil pipeline through the middle of the country has officially requested permission to do so from regulators in Iowa and Illinois.

Dakota Access, LLC (Houston, TX) filed its request for a Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Permit with the Iowa Utilities Board on Tuesday, Jan. 20 and for aCertificate in Good Standing and Other Relief from the Illinois Commerce Commission on Monday, Dec. 22.

In both requests, the company asks for the authority to use eminent domain to secure land.  Landowners would still be compensated, even if their property is acquired through eminent domain.

The pipeline's proposed route spans from North Dakota to southern Illinois.  It would pass through Lee and Van Buren Counties in Iowa and Hancock County in Illinois.
 

The proposed route for Dakota Access' crude oil pipeline.

Opponents, including farmers and environmental activists, have filled public meetings on the pipeline held throughout Iowa in recent weeks.

The public will be able to track the requests on the websites for each state agency.  Timelines have not been established for a final decision on the requests.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.