Idaho megaloads opinion likely before New Year’s holiday

Associated Press

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

BOISE – A hearing officer said his recommendation in the ConocoPhillips megaloads case will likely be issued before the New Year’s holiday.

Boise attorney Merlyn Clark’s recommendation will help the Idaho Transportation Department decide if it should issue permits to ConocoPhillips.

ConocoPhillips wants to haul two very large drums that have been split in half to a Billings, Mont., refinery from the Port of Lewiston.

The loads would be the heaviest trucks to ever use U.S. Highway 12, and take up both traffic lanes.

ExxonMobil plans to send 207 megaloads on the same highway next year, destined to move through Montana to the Canadian oil sands.