The Nashwauk Public Utilities Commission (NPUC) is proposing to construct and operate a pipeline in Itasca County, Minnesota. The proposed 24-inch pipeline is designed to deliver natural gas at a maximum rate of 206 million cubic feet per day and to operate at an average pressure of 599 pounds per square inch gauge (psig), with a Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure of 1016 psig.

The proposed pipeline will traverse mainly south to north from Blackberry Township to the city of Taconite, then at Taconite the pipeline turns running primarily west to east until reaching the termination point near the city of Nashwauk. To the maximum extent possible the pipeline will run adjacent to existing utilities, including railroads, natural gas pipelines, electric transmission lines, highways and roads located in Itasca County.

The proposed Nashwauk - Blackberry pipeline project will provide natural gas fuel required to operate the Minnesota Steel Nashwauk Taconite Reduction Plant and other industrial customers near the city of Nashwauk. The proposed pipeline will provide natural gas service to Minnesota Steel's plant for use in the processing of taconite and other plant operations. The NPUC will be seeking other industrial customers in the future, so the proposed gas pipeline is being sized to allow for industrial expansion near Nashwauk.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Minnesota Steel Nashwauk Taconite Reduction Plant has been released by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and can be viewed through the following link:

Minnesota Steel DEIS