CHS set to open CN-served propane terminal in Wisconsin

Global agribusiness and farmer-owned cooperative CHS Inc. is nearing the completion of a new propane rail terminal in Hixton, Wis. The company held an open house Oct. 30 to mark the facility's opening, which is anticipated in mid-November.

Owned by CHS, operated by Federation Cooperative and served by CN, the terminal will open in time to meet demand for the upcoming heating season, CHS officials said in a press release. The facility initially will store 360,000 gallons of propane and unload six rail cars every four-and-a-half hours.

"The new terminal that CHS and Federation Cooperative have built in west-central Wisconsin will be a major asset in bringing more propane into the state this winter," said Chris Schoenherr, deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration.

The terminal also will feature two truck loading bays capable of loading six trucks per hour and modern automation equipment, and employ various safety technologies.

"CHS invested in this terminal as part of a broader $24 million investment to develop a robust supply network for propane marketers in the Northern Tier region affected by the Cochin pipeline reversal," said Drew Combs, CHS' vice president of propane. "Our goal is to help marketers serve homeowners, farms and businesses with a safe, reliable supply of propane."