Bridger’s Proposed Eastern Montana Oil Pipeline: What to Know

Bridger Pipeline has proposed a 36-inch line that would carry crude oil from the Canadian border through Eastern Montana to Wyoming. If you live or work near the proposed route, you may want to know where it would go, how it would operate, and what the environmental review is considering. Here’s what the proposal and public records say so far.

Where Would the Proposed Bridger Oil Pipeline Go?

The proposed buried steel pipeline would run about 647 miles from Phillips County to an existing oil terminal near Guernsey, Wyoming. About 435 miles would be in Montana, crossing Phillips, Valley, Daniels, Sheridan, Roosevelt, Richland, Wibaux, Fallon, and Carter counties, according to the Bureau of Land Management.

How Would the Bridger Pipeline Move Crude Oil?

Under the proposed setup, Bridger expects the pipeline to carry about 550,000 barrels of crude oil a day. Its application filed with Montana DEQ says additional pump stations could raise capacity in the future, subject to required approvals.
Pump stations provide the force needed to move oil through a long pipeline. Bridger’s application describes eight possible pump station locations along the route, including six in Montana, and 72 mainline valves designed to isolate sections of the line.
At the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers, Bridger says it plans to drill beneath the riverbeds, with the pipe about 30 to 40 feet below them, according to the Associated Press.

What Could the Bridger Pipeline Mean for Eastern Montana?

Bridger says the pipeline would add another route for moving crude oil from Canada to the Guernsey oil hub, where it could connect with existing infrastructure. The company says that added capacity could give oil shippers more flexibility in moving crude into regional markets.
Bridger’s application also projects temporary construction jobs, spending with local businesses and tax revenue for state and local governments. The company says it will update its workforce and spending estimates as planning advances.
The application describes construction involving trenching, pipe installation, and staging areas. Bridger says it will reclaim disturbed areas after construction. The BLM’s environmental review is considering potential effects on land, water, roads, and nearby communities.

What Is the Status of the Bridger Pipeline Review?

The BLM lists its environmental impact statement as in progress, with agencies analyzing potential impacts. The proposed route and project details may be refined as the review continues.

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Bridger’s application describes proposed leak-detection and emergency-response systems. The Associated Press has reported past spills involving Bridger and other True Company subsidiaries, including a 2015 spill into the Yellowstone River that affected Glendive’s drinking water. The AP report also describes the company’s proposed river crossing and leak detection plans.