BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A natural gas company has proposed an expansion for a processing plant in the most prolific part of the Bakken oil patch in North Dakota.
Oasis Midstream wants to expand the Wild Basin Gas Plant in McKenzie County to make it the largest natural gas processing complex in the state, The Bismarck Tribune reported.
The plant currently processes about 80 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. The expansion would add a new complex next to the existing plant, allowing the plant to process an additional 265 million cubic feet per day. The plan also includes a proposed expansion of the complex's crude oil handling facility.
The state produced a record high of natural gas in April, with an average of 1.8 billion cubic feet per day.
"In order for the state to continue meeting those gas capture goals, projects like this are absolutely necessary," said Justin Kringstad, director of the North Dakota Pipeline Authority.
Northeast McKenzie County has wells that produce greater volumes of gas than wells in other areas, he said.
Construction is expected to cost around $140 million, according to documents filed with the North Dakota Public Service Commission. If the plan is approved, construction is expected to begin this year. Between 100 and 300 temporary workers would be employed.
The commission will have a public hearing about the proposal Friday. Commissioners will consider several factors, including environmental impact and additional safety measures needed for a larger facility, said Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak.