Bison XPress Project
Overview
TC Energy’s 1,412-mile (2,272-km) Northern Border Pipeline Company (NBPL) connects natural gas reserves in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin with consumers in the Midwestern U.S. as well as receives and transports U.S.-produced natural gas. The Bison Pipeline carries part of that natural gas across Wyoming and Montana to North Dakota.
The Bison XPress Project is designed to improve base system reliability by replacing existing compression at three critical stations on the NBPL system in three counties across North Dakota. When complete, this project is expected to add additional compression capabilities at the designated stations that will expand NBPL’s capacity by up to 300k Dth/day.
The incremental capacity will be leased to the Wyoming Interstate Company (WIC) as part of WIC’s Bakken xPress Project. Additionally, Bison Pipeline will make minor facility modifications in three counties across three states — North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming – to lease up to 300k Dth/day to WIC, making a seamless transportation path between NBPL and Bison Pipeline to support WIC’s Bakken xPress Project. The project encompasses the following scope:
Northern Border Pipeline System (NBPL)
Upgrade three existing compressor stations in North Dakota by installing new and enhanced turbine compressor units along with the required associated piping components, additional gas cooling bays and appurtenances.
- Remove existing unit – Arnegard Compressor Station, McKenzie County
- Keep existing unit as standby – Manning Compressor Station, Dunn County
- Keep existing unit as standby – Glen Ullin Compressor Station, Morton County
Bison Pipeline System (Bison PL)
Modify existing facilities to allow volume of up to 300k Dth/day from Northern Border Pipeline to Bison Pipeline at Kurtz Meter Station in Morton County, North Dakota and deliver at Buffalo Meter Station in Campbell County, Wyoming.
- Modify the existing Kurtz and Buffalo Meter Stations for bi-directional flows.
- Replace existing launcher and receivers with bidirectional launcher/receivers on Bison Pipeline.
Going Forward
Anticipated project schedule (subject to change)
Summer 2023 |
File FERC application |
Q2 2025 |
Begin Construction |
2026 |
Project In-service |
Our Commitment
Environmental conditions
TC Energy is committed to protecting the environment.
As part of project planning and development, TC Energy will prepare an Environmental and Socioeconomic Assessment (ESA). We will collect data on a number of environmental elements including, but not limited to, soils and terrain, wildlife and wildlife habitat, vegetation and wetlands, fish and fish habitat, heritage resources, air emissions and acoustic environment, and socioeconomic considerations such as land and resource use, infrastructure and services, and social and cultural well-being.
In addition, an Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) will be developed to identify the necessary environmental protection measures to be implemented for the Project, which ensures responsible construction and results in a return to equivalent land capability.
Project benefits
The Project will deliver well-designed and constructed infrastructure that provides short-term and long-term economic benefits and strengthens the economy on a local, provincial and national level.
Employment opportunities — Construction will require the services of equipment operators, welders, mechanics, truck drivers, laborer’s and more.
Business opportunities — Pipeline construction will create demand for local goods and services, including food and accommodation, hardware, industrial parts, automotive parts and servicing, fuel and more.
Annual revenue to support local services — Project construction will result in tax payments to municipal, provincial and federal governments. When the Project is operational, annual tax payments will help support schools and hospitals, emergency services, recreation facilities, recycling programs and other local programs vital to sustaining communities.
Investments in Local Communities — Through our engagement with local communities, we will identify areas where we can help build stronger, more vibrant communities through initiatives with community partnerships in the areas of safety, community and environment.
Working with Indigenous groups
We welcome input and support from Indigenous groups, so we can identify specific concerns, environmental sensitivities and culturally important areas along potential route options. We will provide opportunities to Indigenous groups to provide feedback throughout engagement and during the regulatory process. Learn more about how we work with Indigenous groups.
Safety is our number one value
For more than 70 years, TC Energy has been a leader in the safe and reliable operation of North American energy infrastructure. From design and construction to operations and maintenance, safety is integral to everything we do. This project will be designed, constructed and operated in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Learn more about our safety practices.
Regualtory
How are we regulated?
The Bison XPress Project is governed according to regulations outlined by the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) | ||
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Local | 1-202-502-6088 | |
Toll-Free | 1-866-208-3372 |
FAQs
What factors do you consider when planning a pipeline route?
In determining the routes, we consider several factors including safety, constructability, environmental and socio-economic sensitivities, land use compatibility, economics, cultural sites, as well as stakeholder, Indigenous groups and landowner input. To minimize the project footprint, we work to align the pipeline route to follow existing rights-of-way and established corridors where practical and technically feasible.
If you have any questions about the proposed Project, please reach out to us via the contact information below. For general questions you can contact us by email, but for a quicker response, please call us directly.
Why do we need this project?
The project is designed to improve Northern Border’s system and lease the Project’s incremental capacity to meet market demand. The project will aid in serving households and businesses with affordable, reliable energy for decades to come while TC Energy remains committed to prioritizing safety and reliability along our pipeline systems.
How can I or my business get involved with this Project?
TC Energy utilizes qualified and competitive companies and individuals to plan, build and operate our facilities. We believe in supporting local communities near our projects and provide opportunities through employment and contracts to local people and businesses. We require our prime contractors to hire qualified, local subcontractors.
TC Energy has a Vendor Registration site where interested local service providers can express interest in working with us. Please visit TCEnergy.com/vendors for more information about how to register with us.
Contacts
Northern Border Pipeline / Bison Pipeline (TC Energy) Head Office | ||
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700 Louisiana Street |
1-800-447-8066 | communications@tcss20.com |
Emergency Response | |
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Our commitment to the safety of our pipelines and facilities is unwavering. In case of an emergency, please call the appropriate 24-hour toll-free hotline: | |
US: | 1-800-447-8066 |
Landowner Helpline | |
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A key component in maintaining the integrity of our facilities is input from all stakeholders: Indigenous communities, landowners and governments. If you have questions or concerns, please let us know. | |
Head Office |
1-877-287-1782 |
Media Relations | |
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TC Energy welcomes enquiries from media. Please direct questions to: | |
1-800-608-7859 Toll-free (North America) | media@tcss20.com |
Investor Relations | |
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We welcome inquiries from analysts, shareholders and prospective shareholders at: | |
1-800-361-6522 Toll-free (North America) | investor_relations@tcss20.com |