![Judge Grants Access For Oil Pipeline Operations](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2014/04/gavel-comstock.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Judge Grants Access For Oil Pipeline Operations
GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — A refining company will be able to continue operating three pipelines that transport crude oil from Canada after a federal judge granted access for the final parcel whose easement had expired.
Phillips 66 had negotiated access agreements with about 600 landowners on the Blackfeet Reservation and pursued a condemnation complaint against the holdout landowners of one parcel.
The Great Falls Tribune reported Wednesday (http://gftrib.com/1s0aYnk ) U.S. District Judge Sam Haddon ruled in favor of Phillips 66 and ordered the company to pay the landowners $1,450 in compensation.
Phillips 66 spokesman Michael Barnes says the easements for the three pipelines had expired, so the company had to re-negotiate access.
The easements were renewed for 47 years.
The company says the cost of relocating the pipelines would have been $2 million.
More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM
![Court Victory for Montana Students With Special Needs](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-RS47253_GettyImages-494312894-scr-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Stay Cool Missoula: Tips From Disaster Services Director](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-RS27921_GettyImages-1011404062-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Knife-Wielding Woman Arrested in Missoula After Altercation](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-featured-image-2024-07-15T122519.061.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Montana Gas Prices Continue to Rise, More Increases Are Expected](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/04/attachment-RS48332_GettyImages-178371765-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![UPDATE: Miller Peak Fire Near Missoula Grows to 800 Acres](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-MillerPeakFire-714-EDIT.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Visitors Escape When Car Goes Into Yellowstone Geyser](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-53853005819_8c897107f3_h.jpg?w=980&q=75)