Fuel pipeline for area won’t be rebuilt; impact unknown

Posted at 3:45 p.m. on April 21, 2017

The Brillion News

MADISON – The pipeline from Milwaukee to Green Bay that had delivered bulk gasoline and diesel fuel to northeast Wisconsin for over half a century will not be rebuilt – at least by its current owner.

The West Shore Pipeline Company has notified the state that it will not replace a pipeline for gasoline and other products servicing northeast Wisconsin. Since the closure of the 110 mile segment of the West Shore Pipeline in March 2016, the state has worked with local officials and industry leaders to maintain an adequate fuel supply in the region.

“In light of this announcement, the state will continue to work with our partners to assist the industry in developing long-term, market-based solutions to manage an adequate fuel supply for the region at a reasonable price for consumers,” state Department of Administration Secretary Scott Neitzel said. “We’d like to thank our partners for their continued efforts to limit the impact of this pipeline’s closure on citizens in the region.”

Since the pipeline’s initial closure, Governor Walker directed the Department of Administration, the Public Service Commission, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Natural Resources to lead the state’s efforts to work with local, state, and industry leaders to keep the area well supplied at reasonable prices for consumers.

When the pipeline was first shut down 11 months ago, it was believed to be temporary.

At the time the state announced: “To avoid the potential for gasoline and diesel shortages during the temporary closing of the West Shore Pipeline connecting Milwaukee to Green Bay, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) have authorized the transport of heavier weights and longer hours of service for transport drivers.”

The state Department of Transportation then authorized motor carriers to transport overweight loads of petroleum products such as fuel and oil.

The West Shore Pipeline was the only pipeline delivering petroleum products to the Green Bay area.

In addition to trucking gasoline and diesel fuel, it can be delivered by rail tank cars and by barge or ship.