The proposed Border Crossing Facilities Project has entered the federal review process after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a notice of application for the cross-border natural gas pipeline, marking a key regulatory milestone for the infrastructure project connecting North Dakota and Saskatchewan, Canada.
The project, developed by Steel Reef Pipelines US LLC, seeks authorization under the Natural Gas Act and a Presidential Permit to construct and operate border-crossing facilities that would expand natural gas transportation between the United States and Canada. FERC’s notice also opens the environmental review process and invites public comments before the Commission determines whether to approve the project.
Located near Fortuna, North Dakota, the project centers on a new 0.65-mile, 10-inch-diameter segment of the Flat Lake Access Pipeline gathering system. Once completed, the pipeline will transport up to 80 million cubic feet of sour natural gas per day from an existing compressor station in North Dakota to the Flat Lake Gas Plant in Saskatchewan. The project also includes a collocated 6-inch pipeline that will import approximately 6 million cubic feet of natural gas per day to supply fuel for the compressor station.
The Border Crossing Facilities Project represents the international connection of the broader Flat Lake Access Pipeline system, enabling cross-border gas movements between the United States and Canada while supporting regional energy infrastructure in both countries. The proposal aims to establish new export capacity while maintaining fuel supplies required for pipeline operations.
Federal Review Begins
Although Steel Reef Pipelines submitted its application to FERC on June 17, 2026, the Commission’s July 13 notice officially begins the federal review process. The agency will now either complete its environmental review within 90 days or issue a Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review outlining the timeline for preparing an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement.
The environmental review will help federal and state agencies coordinate the remaining authorizations required before the project can proceed. Following completion of the environmental review, FERC will determine whether to authorize the proposed border-crossing facilities and issue the required Presidential Permit.
Public Comment Period Opens
Meanwhile, FERC has opened a public participation period for the project. Individuals, organizations, businesses and government agencies may submit comments, protests or motions to intervene as part of the federal review process.
The deadline for filing comments, protests and motions to intervene is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 21, 2026. Only parties that formally intervene in the proceeding will have the right to seek rehearing of future Commission decisions or challenge them in federal court.
What’s Next
FERC’s notice marks an early regulatory milestone rather than a construction approval. The Commission must complete its environmental review before deciding whether to authorize the project and issue the Presidential Permit required for the international pipeline crossing.
If approved, the Border Crossing Facilities Project would establish a new cross-border natural gas connection between North Dakota and Saskatchewan, expanding export capacity while supporting pipeline operations through dedicated fuel gas imports.
The federal review also comes as developers advance other major natural gas pipeline projects across the United States. Chesapeake Utilities Corporation has also unveiled plans for the $1.2 billion Florida Energy Pathway, a proposed intrastate pipeline that would connect Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties to expand natural gas transportation capacity and support South Florida’s growing energy demand.
Project Factsheet: Border Crossing Facilities Project
Project type: Cross-border natural gas pipeline
Developer: Steel Reef Pipelines US LLC
Location: Fortuna, North Dakota, to Saskatchewan, Canada
Infrastructure: 0.65-mile, 10-inch-diameter pipeline segment with a collocated 6-inch fuel gas pipeline
Export capacity: Up to 80 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d)
Import capacity: Approximately 6 MMcf/d for compressor station fuel
Current milestone: Federal review process launched following FERC notice of application
Regulatory authority: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Key Dates
- June 17, 2026: Application filed with FERC.
- July 13, 2026: Federal review launched.
- July 21, 2026: Public comment deadline.
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