Knowing how to locate underground utilities is important for the safety of everyone involved – construction workers and residents in the area. If digging commences without knowing the approximate location of any underground utilities, it can cause damage to water and sewer lines, gas, electric, and communications systems, causing service disruptions, resulting in expensive repairs, and leading to serious injuries.

Utilities are Buried Everywhere

There are more than 20 million miles of underground utilities spanning the United States. Reports indicate about 38.6 million people will start digging before they know where the underground utilities are located, and they will cause injuries and damage. You should always have underground utilities properly marked before starting to dig. 

Properly Locating Underground Utilities

By properly locating underground utilities, or by calling 811 to have utilities marked, you can decrease the chances of damaging underground utilities when you dig to less than 1 percent. While sometimes searching for underground utilities seems like guesswork, it has become advanced technological perfection in recent years.

Electromagnetic locating is effective in finding underground utilities. These devices are omnidirectional. They are antennas wrapped around a sphere that lets the user have a complete 360-degree view of what lies under the ground.

Before the new equipment was invented, underground utilities had to be located perpendicular to a line and swing back and forth to find the path. Now the line can be approached from any direction and it can still discover the utilities. Knowing the exact location of underground utilities is especially important when gas lines are involved because an explosion could result.

Integrating the Devices with Updated Equipment

Omnidirectional antennas have been integrated with new apps for mobile devices that include GPS. This will let the user apply digital paint on a satellite map, so they will have future references. That way, on any return visits to the site the user, can pull up the map and then see where the utilities are located so they will know exactly where to start.

Thanks to advanced technology, the mobile app can be integrated with geographic information systems (GIS) to allow the user to add data while making a layered visual that provides multiple data sets. You can then create a complete, useful image of what is underground, so you will know how to proceed with future projects.

As of September 2009, there were 63,012 jobs in the oil and gas well drilling industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment in the Gulf Coast is most concentrated in several Louisiana parishes and Texas counties. In these areas, rigging job or jobs account for a bigger portion of employment in these localities than the whole nation. Almost one-fourth of those employed in this field in the U.S. are in Harris County, Texas, which is in the Houston area. That totals about 14,881 jobs and equals about .9% of private sector employment in that specific county. Lafayette Parish in Louisiana had about 3.2% of the nation’s employment in the oil rigging industry.

In 2009, Baker Hughes reported that it had 1,281 active rigs, with 55 of them being offshore. The specific position of rigger in the oil and gas industry is held by 21,000 workers. Riggers have a mean hourly wage of $24.17, which totals about $50,270 per year. Riggers tend to make anywhere from $13.91 per hour to as much as $36.22 per hour. There are several industry subdivisions in the oil and gas industry that require riggers. Here is a breakdown:

Ship and boat building employs 2,270 riggers, support activities for mining employs 1,900 riggers, and the federal executive branch (OES designation) employs 1,590. Other industries with high concentrations of employment in the role of rigger include inland water transportation, ship and boat building, other support activities for transportation, and building equipment, and contractors.

Location Effects Salary

If you are employed as a rigger, your location can affect your salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 45 of the 50 states have riggers employed in some form or fashion. Washington State has 900 people employed in rigger positions with an average annual wage of $55,470 while Minnesota has only 230 riggers with an annual average salary of $55,860. In New York, the average rigger salary is $75,910 while in Michigan, the average salary for a rigger is $65,490 per year.

What is a Rigger? What is a Rigging job?

A rigger is a person who specializes in the moving and lifting of extremely heavy or large objects. Often, they do the moving or lifting with the help of a crane, chain hoist, or derrick. To become a rigger, an individual must undergo extensive training both in and out of the classroom. ATS offers OSHA-compliant rigger and signalperson training and certification. The program includes written and practical training and testing. To learn more about the program, call ATS at (800) 383-7364.

There is a great demand for heavy equipment operators. Heavy equipment operator jobs are positions in the construction industry. These positions include driving, maneuvering, and controlling heavy machinery that is used in the process of constructing a variety of structures, including bridges, roads, and various buildings. Heavy equipment operators work in all kinds of weather, and they can expect to get dusty, muddy, greasy, and dirty. Most people in these roles work full-time, and many of them work overtime. They might have irregular work schedules since many construction projects, especially road construction projects, are done at night.

How to Prepare for a Heavy Equipment Operator Role

If you are interested in finding employment as a heavy equipment operator, you should get the proper training. After having earned a high school diploma or equivalent, you can attend a training school. Overall employment for heavy equipment operators in the construction industry is expected to grow 12% from 2016 to 2026, which comes out to 52,700 new jobs. That is at a much higher rate than the average for all occupations. The increased availability of jobs in the construction industry is expected because of increased spending on infrastructure during the next decade. Those who are trained to work multiple kinds of heavy equipment have the best chance of finding employment and getting the best job opportunities.

The Salary of a Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy equipment operators can earn a very competitive salary in today’s workforce. As of May 2017, the median annual wage for a construction equipment operator was $46,080 annually or about $22.15 per hour. The annual wages can vary significantly from one state to another, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For example, New York has 12,520 heavy equipment operators with an average annual salary of $77,580, Pennsylvania has 20,560 heavy equipment operators with an average annual salary of $50,340, and Tennessee has 5,170 heavy equipment operators who earn an average salary of $40,790 per year.

Different Fields That Require Heavy Equipment Operators

There are several different construction fields that need heavy equipment operators. These include utility system construction, state government agencies, local government agencies, specialty trade contractors, building contractors, and highway, street, and bridge construction companies. With the increasing need for heavy equipment operators, it is a great field to consider when making a career move. ATS offers training for heavy equipment operators, including directional drilling, mobile crane operation, and various kinds of equipment including:

• Scrapers
• Motor graders
• Excavators
• All-terrain forklifts
• Backhoes
• Bulldozers
• Wheel loaders
• Excavators
• Articulated dump trucks

To learn more about Associated Training Services, call (800) 383-7364 today.

Excavating done with a suction excavator is referred to as vacuum excavation. Suction excavators produce powerful suction through a wide pipe as big as one foot in diameter. The suction inlet airspeed might be as fast as 220 miles per hour. There may be two handles on the suction nozzle for the operator to hold. Those handles might be a rotatable collar that uncovers suction-release opening that has grilles over them. These are uncovered to release the suction and make the suction nozzle drop anything too big to go inside the tube that it has picked up.

Vacuum excavation uses compressed air to disturb the soil, which is then vacuumed up into a debris tank. Air excavation is used to safely expose underground utilities and then allows you to backfill with dry material. Vacuum excavation is used for various utility projects, such as for underground electric wires and broadband cables as well as sewer and septic lines. Vacuum excavation is a very beneficial approach used in construction today.

Operating A Suction Excavator

To safely and professionally operate a suction excavator, you will need to undergo extensive training. There are training programs where you can learn these skills. These training programs include classroom training as well as hands-on experience. ATS offers specialized training programs for various machinery and equipment as well.

While programs are available for individuals needing training, there are also programs available for employers to train their employee’s new skills. Employer training grants are available. We offer a field training module for utilities, which gives participants the chance to apply the knowledge that they have obtained during the training.

Salary Expectations for Vacuum Excavation

The average salary for someone who operates a vacuum excavator or who works in hydro excavation is about $74,175 per year. There is a need for additional workers in this career field, so it is a great job to consider when making career decisions. To learn more about vacuum excavation operator training and other specialized training programs available, call ATS at (800) 383-7364 today. ATS has been offering customized training programs since 1959. Become an alumnus of this established training school.

There are many stresses that come with moving heavy, expensive equipment to a long-distance location, but with proper planning and execution, it can be done with minimal strain.

With this guide, you can receive the vital information needed to avoid possible conflicts that may result from improper moving protocol. If the appropriate procedure is not followed, issues such as human injury and damage to expensive equipment can easily occur.

The fundamental aspects of making this move seamless are found in both communication and planning with high-experience contractors.

We are here to lend a hand in helping ensure your machinery gets safely and efficiently.

Step 1: Have a Proper Plan

If you’ve ever moved from home to home, you’d know it is not a one-day unprepared task. Moving takes in-depth planning to assure flawless transportation of material; the same goes for heavy machinery and equipment.

When formulating a plan to move equipment, consider:

• If your machinery qualifies with oversized load criteria, identify and obtain any necessary permits by contacting the proper authorities such as your state Department of Transportation or Highway Administration. They can inform you about road restrictions or if you need escort vehicles.
• If you plan to travel through multiple states or territories for any portion of your trip, identify and ensure state laws are followed in all locations. You may consider consulting an expert, as this form of travel can be difficult and legal implications can arise.
• Set a location where materials will be loaded and unloaded. Keep in mind if the chosen location has enough space and proper areas for the job – this includes ground stability, condition, and terrain. For example, If you are moving a heavy machine and there is an unstable marsh, you may want to consider another viable alternative location.
• Weather can make or break a move – unstable conditions are not preferable for heavy equipment transfer. Rain, snow, icy conditions, or other natural weather conditions should be prepared beforehand and avoided as much as possible. Weather can often be unpredictable, so prepare for the unexpected.

Step 2: Find a Transporter

The most critical aspect of planning your move is finding the right transporter. A1 Auto Transport for example is one of the most reputed and nationally listed transporters with experience in the industry of moving heavy machinery. Always check if the company you are interested in provides long-distance services or if they solely transport within a local area.

When you find a prospective transporter, questions you can ask them to include:

• Are they prepared with the proper equipment for heavy machinery movement, such as trucks, trailers, ramps, and securing equipment? Can they obtain these materials if not previously obtained? If this prospective mover does not have these, find a different transporter.
• Is the transporter aware of the necessary procedures and guidelines for loading and carrying heavy gear? You want to make sure you have a knowledgeable transporter, so ensure they can answer this question thoroughly.
• Can the drivers operate the equipment you are moving and are they qualified to do so? If not, someone who can be at both loading and unloading locations.
• How much experience does the prospective transporter have in long-distance moves? You want someone with a history in long-distance moving since it requires more familiarity.

Step 3: Preparing for Loading

You now have a plan and transporter solidified, and it’s time to start move preparation. Getting equipment ready for the move can avoid damage or loss of items. When preparing the heavy machinery, keep in mind of:

• Dirt and debris should be cleared off of the machinery. You should remove anything that can fall off the equipment during the trip, since these pieces can shift, fall, and damage other vehicles or move the load while transport is in progress.
• Does the item being moved have rubber tires? If so, verify tire pressure since low pressure can cause the tie-downs to loosen during the trip. Some transporters may recommend certain treatment of tires prior to their arrival, so consult them with any questions or concerns.
• Are friction devices needed? They are ideal when the transport vehicle is being used and the area of attachment on the equipment is slick, such as metal on a metal flat. You should have these friction devices arranged before the arrival of the transporter to ensure smooth loading.
• Clear the area of loading so there are no obstacles in the way. Double-check the location for solid ground that is reachable by the trailer your machine will be loaded on. If the load cannot be reached, your entire planning could turn out to be a wasted effort.
• Check that all personal items are removed from machineries, such as any add-ons or lucky rabbit’s foot.

Step 4: Loading

Your contractor has arrived with the truck being used for transport, and it’s now time to load your equipment onboard. To ensure safety during the load, make sure to:

• Only operate equipment that you are qualified to operate. If you are unqualified to do so, hire an operator beforehand.
• Place the machinery beside the vehicle to avoid forward motion, unless there are significant weight restrictions or conditions.
• When fastening securement devices, be cautious of their placement over hydraulic hoses or cylinders. Damage to these parts can be expensive to properly clean up.
• The machine manufacturer’ selected connection points and securement recommendations to ensure a safe and strong connection of the machinery. If you are unsure of these locations, it may be ideal to hire a technician for the specific equipment to provide proper knowledge.
• Always use strong attachment points and avoid questionable ones, including for their strength or stability. If anyone has concerns or uncertainties about a specific point, it’s always smart to avoid its use. Having your equipment fall isn’t worth the risk.
• Whenever possible, use chains made for the appropriate weight to secure heavy machinery. It should be locked in to prevent snapping, which could potentially be deadly.
• Devices such as wedges and chocks should be individually secured and used to stop wheel roll.

Step 5: Communication

If you are not completing the haul yourself and have separate transporter:

• Stay in contact with your transporter for the whole duration of the trip. They are not responsible for your equipment, you are. Just because it leaves your initial possession doesn’t mean it isn’t your duty to guarantee its safety.
• Make sure the driver stays in contact and updates you as frequently as possible. If there are any updates in route, location, arrival status, or any issues that arise, you should be aware in order to inform the receiver.

For legal and insurance purposes, contact information and records of the company that provided the specific transporter should be maintained. They should be contacted in case a problem arises.

Final Thoughts

Confirm the heavy machinery has reached its destination location and that every task is completed before payment to the transporter should be made. The receiver should note and capture any damaged or lost items, so you can discuss issues with the carrier or provider.

Congratulations! You just completed a long-distance heavy equipment haul. This is a rare task, possibly once in a lifetime, and should be thought of as such. The time and preparation this move takes are vast, and successful distance moves require significant effort. Appropriate preparation is what makes this move run smoothly.

Remember, safety is interest! Don’t endanger the equipment and an individual’s safety by being unprepared.

An integral part of the oil and gas industry since the 1920s, directional drilling is the practice of controlling a wellbore’s deviation and direction toward a predetermined underground location or target. Directional drilling is needed for several different applications, here are some drilling jobs:

• Multiple wells from a single location
• Inaccessible surface locations
• Multiple target zones
• Sidetrack
• Fault drilling
• Relief-well drilling
• Salt-dome exploration
• River-crossing applications

To operate a directional drill, you will need to undergo the proper training from a training school. Directional drillers are among the best-compensated positions. They are one of the highest-paid positions in the oilfield. To be a directional driller, you will need to have experience in the oilfields, be mathematically inclined, and be willing to travel frequently. Some directional drillers are gone for as long as 50 weeks a year when they are first starting out in these drilling jobs.

The Work Environment

Directional drillers either work on an offshore rig or on a land rig. There isn’t a typical workday in this role. One of the more critical times while on the job is when you are diverting the well from vertical to horizontal. A bad calculation when deciding when and how you are building an angle can mean the difference in proceeding or having to abandon days of work. A directional driller must be very focused on the job at hand. There are three main types of directional drills:

• Multilateral wells
• Extended reach wells
• Horizontal wells

Because of advanced technology, the computer is where most directional well-planning is done. Thanks to 3D visualization and 3D earth models, geoscientists and engineers have integrated and interactive tools that allow them to optimize, visualize and create wells using reservoir targets.

Drilling Jobs – Salary

According to CNNMoney, oil rig workers make slightly under$100,000 per year, but the annual salary can vary depending on the skills and experience of the worker. Oil drillers made an average salary of $99,175 per year as of 2011, but of course, salaries have increased during the last 7 years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects more than average growth in the field, so there is expected to be a 16% increase in the number of directional drillers needed from 2016 to 2026. That is 2,500 more jobs for trained directional drillers.

ATS offers specialized training in directional drilling. The program includes classroom and field training to teach the operational skills you need to operate a directional drill safely and efficiently. To learn more about ATS specialized training and drilling jobs, call (800) 678-8149 today. One of our admissions specialists will help you determine if directional drilling is the right career path for your goals.

ATS Career Services

The construction industry is growing. With more infrastructure projects expected to be underway within the next decade, there is expected to be a growing need for more people to fill the various roles. To get employment in one of these positions, you will need the proper training and certifications. You should enlist the help of a reputable training school. ATS offers career services, which will help you determine which program is the best for your specific needs and how to proceed and finance your education, so you can pursue your career goals.

Why Education At ATS?

ATS abides by its motto of quality, integrity, and pride. The family-operated training facility was established in 1959. The family remains dedicated to their motto and to every student that enters a program offered by ATS. ATS takes pride in offering quality training and education. All training and educational programs are led by highly-qualified and well-trained instructors or teachers. Because the quality of the training and education obtained by the students is directly related to the instructor quality, we strive to hire and train the most qualified educators in the field. We have a team of instructors who have experience in the industry pertaining to the subject matter, extensive knowledge of the subject matter, confidence in their skills, understanding, and excellent communication skills.

Offering Various Specialized Training Programs

We offer various training programs because we understand that various industries that work on construction projects require a spectrum of knowledge, skills, and equipment. Also, employer needs can vary significantly based on the kind of work that is done, the operational environment, and the regulations. With a dedicated, skilled, and knowledgeable team of educators and instructors who can implement and design mobile cranes, rigging and signaling, commercial vehicle training, and heavy equipment training, we can address the needs of the construction industry and ensure the students have the training and skills they need to be well-prepared to enter the workforce and perform their work duties safely.

Accredited and Certified

ATS is accredited and certified. Our school is an accredited sponsor through the National Center for Construction Education and Research, an approved test site and registered training provider of the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators, a certified training provider under the Workforce Development Act, approved as an eligible training school for veterans by the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs and is licensed and approved in five states by their educational approval boards. ATS is a longtime Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

To talk with a career services expert at ATS and to determine which program is best for your needs, call (800) 383-7364 today. One of our knowledgeable staff members will take the time to learn about you, your goals, and your expectations, so you can get on track to a successful career in the construction industry.

On any given day there are thousands of construction projects going on around the globe. But there are some construction projects of mammoth proportions. Here are some of those highly revered construction projects of the World’s largest scale:

Dubailand – This Dubai project is huge. One of the world’s largest. So big three Disney World theme parks could fit inside. This $64 billion venture consists of 278 kilometers and it includes sports venues, eco-tourism, theme parks, science attractions, healthcare facilities, science-related attractions, and even hotels. Inside Dubailand will be the largest hotel in the world, containing a 10-million-square-foot mall and 6,500 rooms. This project is set for a 2025 completion date.

International Space Station – The International Space Station circles the earth every 92 minutes. It was built by a consortium consisting of 5 space agencies and 15 nations, it has construction costs exceeding $60 billion. The eventual costs are anticipated to exceed $1 trillion. And plans are for it to have the ability to house up to a million occupants.

London Crossrail Project – The first underground train system in the world is continuing to grow with 26 more miles of the tunnel being added to connect 40 stations. This project is expected to cost about $23 billion. It is being completed in phases, with the first section becoming operational in 2018 and the last section being in service by 2020.

Bejing Airport – This airport in China saw its first phase completed for the 2008 Olympiad. Further expansion is expected to be done by 2025. Zaha Hadid designed Terminal 1, which incorporates several design concepts of sustainability while presented in a futuristic approach.

South-to-North Water Transfer Project in China – About 50% of China’s population resides in North China. That area only has about 20% of the water resources available in that country. To address the issue, China funded a major construction project consisting of three huge canals, each measuring more than 600 miles in length and carrying water from the three largest rivers in China to the North. It will take 48 years for the project to be completed.

Jubail II in Saudi Arabia – This industrial project spans 22 years with the second phase, an $11 billion expansion, getting underway in 2014. It will include miles of railways, at least 100 industrial plants, roads and highways, and an oil refinery with 350,000 barrels produced daily. The entire project is set to be done by 2024.

How to Ensure Safety in the Transportation of Construction Equipment

Construction equipment transportation is not just a matter of equipment Transport Company. It has to do with equipment safety and operators’ safety also. If the equipment is broken during transportation or should something come off during transportation, it may also be harmful to the equipment operators affecting their ability to work in the future.

Even though the transport company may be required to provide safe equipment handling procedures, the operators need to cooperate with the Transport Company as well. As an operator, you should know the key points in the transportation process. Here are some important considerations to make to ensure safety in the transportation of construction equipment:

1. Choose the Right Vehicle
There are TWO kinds of vehicles to choose from, for the transportation of construction equipment. These are:

• Flatbed/Step deck trailer
• Lowboy trailer

Usually, when making a choice of transportation means, the height of the equipment should be put into consideration. Shorter equipment can be carried by the Flatbeds/step deck trailer, which has a higher platform off the ground whereas the lowboy trailer has a lower platform for the taller type of equipment.

However, the lowboy trailer transportation costs are higher than those of the Flatbed trailer.

The selection of either of the two types of trailers should be made from a well-informed point of view, particularly on the part of understanding the construction equipment to be transported and laws governing the same.

Therefore, your choice of the right trailer for your use and application should be based on the local laws and regulations in relation to the height of your equipment and the transporting trailers available. You should hire a technician or know more about different kinds of lowboy trailers.

2. Things to do Before Construction Equipment Transportation
If your equipment is big in height, width, length, or overweight, it is advisable to separate attachments to it, such as tires, bucket, and so on to ease transportation. If there is nothing you can do, get means for transporting oversize equipment. It will provide a safe means of transportation despite the high costs involved. Over and above that, here is what you will need to do to make the process swift and secure:

• Place the construction equipment against the structure of the vehicle to make sure it doesn’t move forward unless the distribution of the weight will not allow that.
• Securement devices should be placed in such a way that they will not damage such components as brakes or cylinders and so on.
• Edge protection must be applied to prevent damage happening to the tie-downs or the equipment
• Make an effort to use direct tie downs and that means you should be ready to use many of them than when using indirect ones
• Wedges, cradles, chocks or any other support against the wheels to stop rolling the wheels should be used.

Other important tips to consider include: disconnecting the battery; removing the latch on the doors and preventing electric lines and gas lines from being damaged.

3. Tips for Loading Equipment onto the Trailer
There are important considerations to make when Loading Equipment onto the Trailer. You are to:

• Ensure that your equipment is aligned at the center line of the trailers. This is good practice in order to prevent deviation from the center of gravity when turning.
• See to it that the equipment is in a reasonable position to ensure that there is adequate volume to put the boom or the bucket on.
• Drive the equipment on the low bed from the rear, not the front in the event that the transport company only provides the lowboy without a removable gooseneck. It isn’t easy because of the big difference in height. However, driving it slowly and ensuring precision are necessary things to do to ensure safe transportation. Use arm lifting equipment (for such equipment as the excavator) properly.

4. Tips for Making Tie Downs on the Construction Equipment
Once the construction equipment has been loaded on the trailer, it must be tied down to avoid fall overs and tippling during transportation. Here are the minimum requirements that you must observe for tie-downs:

• Make sure your trailer deck is clean and all your chains/tie down are unbroken.
• There are two common types of binders: Lever or ratchet binder, ratchet binders are safer, they have a greater mechanical advantage over the lever style.
• If the vehicle loaded on the trailer has wheels or crawler tracks, there should be at least four tie-downs to prevent it from moving side-by-side, backward, vertically or even forward.
• The total working load limits for all the tie-downs should be at least 50% of the total equipment weight. Additional tie-downs should be added if you are not sure of the equipment’s weight.
• Here is the manner in which tie-downs are to be attached either, 1) Close to the rear and the front part of the equipment, or 2) at the designated mounting points on the machinery.

It is important to adhere to the securement processes and recommendations in order to hold the load in position during transportation. This largely minimizes the chances of an accident taking place in an extreme maneuver.

Final Thoughts

There is a lot of groundwork and minimum requirements that must be met before wheels can be allowed to spin during the transportation of construction equipment. It all starts with making the right choice of the trailer to do the transportation. Once that has been done, details of the equipment to be transported such as weight, length, width, height and so on must be taken in order to help in making the necessary preparations for loading it onto the right trailer. Tie-downs must be securely made before the trailer can be allowed to spin on the road to transport the equipment to the desired destination.

Federal Judge Blocks Construction of Keystone XL Pipeline

In Montana, a federal judge blocked the $8 billion Keystone XL Pipeline construction so there will be more time to study the environmental impact that the project could have on the area. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris issued the order on November 8, right as TransCanada, which is based in Calgary, was preparing to start construction on the oil pipeline’s first sections in northern Montana. TransCanada and the U.S. Department of State had been sued by environmental groups in Great Falls federal court.

According to the Great Falls Tribune, Judge Morris doesn’t believe that the government didn’t study greenhouse gas emissions fully, how the current oil prices would impact the viability of the pipeline, or include any updated modeling of possible oil spills. The pipeline is designed so it would transport as many as 830,000 barrels of crude oil a day from Alberta, a Canadian province, and areas of Montana to Nebraska-based facilities. The U.S. State Department issued a presidential permit for the construction of the pipeline in 2017. When halting the work, the judge said that the analysis conducted by the state department didn’t meet the federal environmental law standards.

Judge Morris issued the order after some equipment had been making its way through parts of eastern Montana so construction crews could start work. TransCanada Corp., the pipeline owner, is reportedly planning a meeting for Tuesday, November 13, to discuss the project and the judge’s order to halt work. The pipeline is set to be 1,179 miles. The State Department prepared an Environmental Impact Statement in 2014. The Keystone XL pipeline construction is stopped until the department completes a supplement to that study.

Keystone Proposal

The Keystone XL pipeline’s proposal is for it to start in British Columbia’s tar sands and then run through parts of South Dakota and Montana before it connects to the existing pipeline already in Nebraska. The company had hoped to start construction of the Montana portion next spring. The lawsuit was filed by Northern Plains Resource Council based in Billings along with other environmental groups, including North Coast Rivers Alliance and Indigenous Environmental Network.

Glendive farmer Dena Hoff, a member of the Northern Plains Resource Council, issued a written statement that said, “Today’s ruling is a victory for the rule of law, and it’s a victory for common sense stewardship of the land and water upon which we all depend. Despite the best efforts of wealthy, multinational corporations and the powerful politicians who cynically do their bidding, we see that everyday people can still band together and successfully defend their rights.”