Environment

US Appeals Court Approves Bayou Bridge Pipeline Construction

A US appeals court overturned a district court’s preliminary injunction that prevented construction on part of Energy Transfer Partners' Bayou Bridge crude oil pipeline in the Atchafalaya Basin of Louisiana.

A US appeals court overturned a district court’s preliminary injunction that prevented construction on part of Energy Transfer Partners' Bayou Bridge crude oil pipeline in the Atchafalaya Basin of Louisiana.

In February, US District Judge Shelly Dick issued a temporary injunction preventing work on an extension to the Bayou Bridge system, revoking a permit and siding with environmentalists and fishermen who expressed concerns about its potential effect on the local economy and wildlife.

“Judge Dick’s ruling ran counter to the collective efforts of federal, state, and local regulatory officials, who thoroughly reviewed—and ultimately approved—the Bayou Bridge Pipeline for construction,” the court filing said.

The disputed 162-mile pipeline is an extension to an existing line that transports crude from Nederland, Texas, to Lake Charles, Louisiana. The new segment would extend the system to St. James, Louisiana, and have capacity to transport up to 480,000 BOPD.

The project is 60% owned by Energy Transfer Partners with the remainder controlled by refiner Phillips 66.

Energy Transfer Partners on 16 March said it was pleased with the court ruling and would begin mobilizing for construction activities as soon as possible.

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