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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, May 14, 2008                        
CONTACT: Leah Mohr, communications manager, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, (605) 773-3201

PUC and Keystone Pipeline representatives hold preconstruction conference

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission held preconstruction meetings this month with officials from the TransCanada Keystone Pipeline project. The preconstruction conference is one of the 57 conditions the PUC attached to Keystone's permit to build a 220-mile crude oil pipeline through South Dakota.

PUC staff and Keystone representatives discussed the reporting and other requirements the company is expected to meet prior to, during and after construction of the pipeline. The meetings provided an opportunity for commission staff to hear information about construction plans directly from the project's managers and the newly-appointed public liaison officer.

At its regular May 6 meeting, the PUC approved Sarah Metcalf of Aberdeen, S.D., as Keystone's public liaison officer for the project. Metcalf will be headquartered in Huron, S.D., and will work closely with the PUC staff on communication and possible complaint issues as the pipeline project makes its way through South Dakota. Providing a public liaison officer to represent Keystone was also a permit condition ordered by the PUC.

Keystone Pipeline project updates are posted on the PUC's Web site. To access the information go to www.puc.sd.gov and click on the "Keystone Pipeline Updates" link on the home page.

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