Final 2 ConocoPhillips Megaloads In Billings

The final two huge shipments of equipment for the ConocoPhillips refinery have arrived in Billings despite several court cases, some protests and weather delays.

The two halves of the second coker drum stopped along Montana Highway 3 early Wednesday and were scheduled to be moved to the refinery overnight.

The first two so-called megaloads arrived in Billings in early April as part of a refinery upgrade. The coker applies heat and pressure to heavier, less valuable components of crude oil, converting them into more useful products.

The drums traveled from the Port of Lewiston in Idaho to Montana, mostly on two-lane roads. Conservation groups sought to stop the loads, saying they threatened tourism, public safety and pristine waters along the route.

Refinery manager Steven Steach said he's relieved the coker drums have finally arrived.

Associated Press