HF Sinclair Proposes Westline Connect to Boost Utah Fuel Capacity

HF Sinclair has initiated the planning phase for the Westline Connect project, a proposed expansion of refined petroleum infrastructure in the Mountain West. The company aims to increase regional fuel transportation capacity by expanding existing pipeline networks, specifically the Pioneer and UNEV lines, to meet rising demand that currently exceeds current infrastructure limits.

The initiative seeks to reduce reliance on truck transport for fuel delivery across four states. By closing the gap between supply and demand, Sinclair intends to stabilize the regional fuel market and lower transportation costs, although the specific route and final construction decisions remain undetermined.

Pipeline capacity expansion details

HF Sinclair’s strategy centers on augmenting the Pioneer Pipeline, which currently transports 60,000 barrels of refined fuel per day from Wyoming into Utah. The company plans to add 35,000 barrels per day to this existing capacity, a significant increase designed to handle the growing volume of transportation fuels required by the region.

The proposal also involves the UNEV Pipeline, which moves refined products from the Salt Lake City area to Las Vegas. Jeremy Price, senior manager for government and public affairs at HF Sinclair, stated that the project will improve safety and reduce market volatility by providing a more reliable supply chain for petroleum products.

Local environmental concerns persist

Residents of Emigration Canyon have voiced strong opposition to the proposed route, citing potential threats to local groundwater. Environmental attorney Brian Rothschild warned that a refined fuel spill would cause long-term contamination that is significantly harder to remediate than crude oil leaks, posing generational risks to the water supply.

Community members also questioned the economic benefits for the local area, noting that the project does not appear to generate new jobs for canyon residents. References to the 2010 Chevron Red Butte Creek spill highlighted fears about the consequences of accidents in sensitive watershed areas, leading to demands for clearer information on risk mitigation and decision-making processes.

Project status and next steps

HF Sinclair emphasizes that the project is in the early information-gathering stage, with no final route selected or construction commitments made. Company representatives stated they are evaluating all options, including the expansion of existing infrastructure versus new construction, while acknowledging resident concerns about the potential impact on the Emigration Canyon area.