New Rules Attached To Pipeline Permit

The U.S. Forest Service has renewed the permit for the 664-mile Yellowstone gasoline pipeline that runs from Billings, Mont., to Moses Lake, Wash.

The pipeline crosses 30 miles of federal land, in the Helena, Lolo and Idaho Panhandle National Forests. It broke near Coeur d’Alene in 1983, along Wolf Lodge Creek.

Past permits have been issued for longer periods of time. This permit is set at three years, to allow time for environmental review before another long-term permit is issued.

The new permit requires Yellowstone Pipeline Co. hire a consultant to look over the pipeline and identify environmental, public health and safety risks, said Chuck Wildes, Lolo National Forest supervisor. It also requires state-of-the-art monitoring and a bond to cover problems from a spill.