More on Mega Loads

Imperial Oil/ExxonMobil megaloads will pass through Idaho and Montana this summer. They will enter Canada via Sweet Grass, MT. The loads, which will travel on Highway 95 and Interstate 90, will be smaller than the full-sized module pictured here.

Back in April, we posted twice on this topic:

Fighting Goliath

Hauling oilsands equipment thru Montana opposed

Last Friday, Imperial Oil received approval to apply for permits to move two of its ‘mega loads’ – but only on U.S. 95 and I90, and only for ‘chopped down’ versions that would fit under highway overpasses.

However, Imperial has not decided whether to make use of the permits. It’s still hoping for approval to use scenic waterways and highways 12 and 200 in Idaho and Montana.

That route has met with serious opposition from local groups, determined to protect the Lochsa and Clearwater Rivers, and to prevent this ‘Wild & Scenic’ route from becoming an ‘industrial’ route.

Imperial, which was reported to have originally stated that the mega loads could not be reduced in size, is doing just that, at a cost of $500,000 per unit. 33 units are currently sitting at the Port of Lewiston.

The story below was in yesterday’s Calgary Herald.

Imperial may not use Idaho permits
By Dan Healing,
Calgary Herald
June 21, 2011