BISMARCK, N.D., June 25 (UPI) -- Crude oil pipeline capacity in North Dakota is keeping relative pace with production levels, the state's governor, Jack Dalrymple, said.
Dalrymple addressed business representatives and energy regulators for a conference on pipeline infrastructure and safety in Bismark. Crude oil pipeline capacity in his state has increased from 286,000 barrels per day in 2009 to the current level of 783,000 bpd. "I feel we're keeping up," he said. "We think as a state, we can get to a place where people think we're doing a world-class job."
North Dakota crude oil production increased from the 200,000 bpd in 2009 to the 1 million bpd reported in April. Most of the increase comes from the Bakken reserve area in the state.
Officials at the conference said more than $9.5 million has been spent on pipelines since 2007. Paul Fisher, a vice president at energy company Enbridge, said safety measures needed to keep pace with the increase in pipeline capacity.
An Enbridge pipeline in Michigan leaked about 20,000 barrels of oil in 2010.
"We need to regain public trust," he said.
