North Dakota commission approves expansion of Wild Basin Gas Plant
The North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) recently approved a request by Oasis Midstream Services LLC for a siting permit to expand the capacity of the Wild Basin Gas Plant and Crude Handling Facility in McKenzie County.
The plant is currently capable of processing 80 million standard cubic feet per day of gas and stabilizing up
to 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Oasis requested to expand the facility’s capacity to 280 million cubic feet per day of gas, 80,000 barrels of crude oil per day and add a storage tank capable of storing 150,000 barrels of crude oil
“This gas is a by-product of the oil industry. It will either be wasted by flaring it into the atmosphere or it will be processed into a usable, value-added product,” Commission Chairman Randy Christmann said. “This processing plant is one of the biggest steps ever taken in North Dakota to decrease flaring and increase revenues for mineral owners, producers and taxing authorities.”
The plant uses Mechanical Refrigeration Units to liquefy natural gas for storage and truck offload capabilities. Oasis plans to expand the modular refrigeration units by 65 million standard cubic feet per day. The entire expansion project is expected to cost approximately $150 million.
“Value-added energy projects like this are important in terms of driving our economy and supporting job growth,” Commissioner Brian Kroshus said. “At the same time, it’s important to ensure that proper rules and procedures are being followed during the siting process and that all requirements are met. While this is considered an expansion project, it’s worth noting that the initial plant was recently constructed. Due to that, it would be prudent to not only review the expansion portion of the project, but the proposed plant as a whole.”
