FORT PIERRE, S.D.(KJJQ)- Testimony continues in Ft. Pierre on the Public Utilities permitting hearing for the Navigator pipeline.

The line would run to three ethanol plants in Eastern South Dakota, including the Valero plant in Aurora.

Among those testifying Wednesday, Ted Smith — Vice President for Engineering and Operations for Sioux Valley Electric of Colman. He says the Navigator pipeline would cross their power lines 42 times.

Smith wants assurances built into the permit issued to Navigator.

Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen asked Smith if Navigator has reached out concerning safety around carbon pipelines.

Smith says safety is paramount and they hope to avoid any incidents during pipeline construction. He says they already deal with far too many incidents of people hitting their lines.

That’s Public Utilities Commissioner Chris Nelson. He indicated they may be willing to put a stipulation into the permit that agreements need to be worked out between Navigator and the rural electrics before construction begins.