President Donald Trump has authorized Steel Reef US Pipelines LLC to continue operating and maintaining a natural gas liquids pipeline across the Canada-U.S. border in Burke County, North Dakota.The Presidential permit, issued on Monday, allows the Delaware-based company to operate existing cross-border infrastructure for the export of natural gas liquids to Canada. Steel Reef US Pipelines is owned by affiliates of Canadian-based Steel Reef Infrastructure Corp.The permit applies to an 8.625-inch diameter pipeline that extends from the U.S.-Canada border to the first mainline shut-off valve or pumping station in the United States. While the permit permits changes to the pipeline’s throughput capacity and flow direction, any substantial structural or operational changes will require additional Presidential approval.The permit imposes strict conditions, including compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as regular inspections and safety standards enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.The company must also notify the president of any ownership changes and is required to indemnify the U.S. government against any liability, including environmental contamination. If the permit is revoked or surrendered, the company must dismantle and remove the pipeline infrastructure at its own expense.The permit affirms the federal government’s right to take control of the pipeline in the interest of national security, with just compensation paid to the company.
