TransCanada has applied for water use permits with the South Dakota Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources for its proposed Keystone XL pipeline — to divert from rivers to proposed “mancamps” for workers, and other industrial uses associated with construction and operation, like horizontal drilling, pump station construction, dust mitigation and hydrostatic testing.
Members of the public (from South Dakota especially, but Nebraskans, landowners) are encouraged to file in opposition to the permits and participate in the process, and attend upcoming public hearings in person if possible that are likely to take place in Pierre during March. The Yankton Sioux Tribe is expected to file opposition to the water permit applications as well.
There are five total current applications related to Keystone XL with a range of application deadlines up to Feb. 22nd. You can file in opposition to all, or as many of the permit applications as you choose. (Note: Two of the applications were filed by private landowners who already possess water permits, and are filing to amend those permits at the behest of TransCanada to service proposed “man-camps” for pipeline workers).
You do not need to retain an attorney, and filing to participate and oppose these permits for KXL is easy:
Type or write a simple, informal letter that explains why you’re interested in the application for a water permit for Keystone XL (e.g. landowner on route, concerned citizen), and your reasons for opposing the application (e.g. water quality, mancamps, agricultural land, spills).
You should also make note of your opposition to the Chief Engineer’s “Recommendation”
(Note: Chief Engineer Jeanne Goodman recommended every KXL-related permit should be “approved”.)
Be sure to include your name, signature, mailing address, and the permit application number.
Mail a copy of your petition to both the Applicant (TransCanada or the landowner) and the Chief Engineer:
- TransCanada Keystone Pipeline LP, c/o Gayle Konik, Environmental Manager US, 700 Louisiana St, Suite 700, Houston TX 77002 (*or, address of landowner-applicant, see below)
- Chief Engineer, Water Rights Program, Foss Building, 523 E Capitol, Pierre SD 57501
- Permit application #: 1975A-1
- Applicant: Wink Cattle Company, c/o Dean Wink, Howes SD
(Address: Dean Wink, PO Box 137, Howes SD 57748) - County: Meade
- Water Source: Inyan Kara aquifer
- Type of Use: Temporary workforce camp
- Petition Deadline: 2/11/2019
- Permit application #:#1963A-1
- Applicant: Tom & Lori Wilson
(Address: Tom & Lori Wilson, 11637 SD Hwy 20, Buffalo, SD 57720) - County: Tripp/Meade/Haakon
- Water Source: Hell Creek Aquifer
- Type of Use: Temporary man camp
- Petition Deadline: 2/4/2019
- Permit application #: 1986-1
- Applicant: TransCanada Keystone Pipeline LP, c/o Gayle Konik, Environmental Manager, US, Houston TX
- County: Meade/Pennington
- Water Source: Cheyenne River
- Type of Use: Industrial (multiple uses)
- Petition Deadline: 2/22/2019
- Permit application #: 2793-2
- Applicant: TransCanada Keystone Pipeline LP, c/o Gayle Konik, Environmental Manager, US, Houston TX
- County: Haakon
- Water Source: Bad River
- Type of Use: Industrial (multiple uses)
- Petition Deadline: 2/22/2019
- Permit application #: 2792-2
- Applicant: TransCanada Keystone Pipeline LP, c/o Gayle Konik, Environmental Manager, US, Houston TX
- County: Lyman/Tripp
- Water Source: White River
- Type of Use: Industrial (multiple uses)
- Petition Deadline: 2/22/2019
If you have any questions about the permitting process, contact:
Ron Duvall
South Dakota DENR, Water Rights Program
(605) 773-3352
ron.duvall@state.sd.us
