The public hearing process of the Dakota Access pipeline application wrapped up last week. The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission heard almost two weeks of testimony pro and con on the proposed route.
Energy Transfer Partners wants to build the crude oil pipeline from western North Dakota, across eastern South Dakota to a terminal in Illinois.
PUC Chairman Chris Nelson says they will now evaluate the merits of the application…………

Nelson says they are working with a tight deadline for a decision………

Some of the opponents to the pipeline criticized the PUC for not requiring an environmental impact statement. Nelson says the request came too late in the process…………

Nelson says the route of the pipeline, which would take it close to the Sioux Falls area, will be part of their consideration.