Montana Limestone Company begins annual delivery of limestone to Leland Olds Station

Montana Limestone Company, a subsidiary of Dakota Coal Company, operates a limestone quarry 70 miles south of Billings, Montana, and continues to play a key role in supporting operations at Leland Olds Station, with steady limestone shipments moving through its South Rail Loadout since the facility's installation in 2010.

Limestone being loaded into a heavy haul truck at Montana Limestone Company.

Each year, the company runs a delivery season that typically includes seven to nine trains. Each train consists of 98 rail cars, with every car capable of carrying approximately 100 tons of limestone, totaling approximately 80,000 tons over the course of the summer. The process is designed for consistency and efficiency: loading takes about two days, and once released, trains normally return within five days allowing for a reliable weekly cycle when turnaround times are met.

Limestone being delivered to the South Rail Loadout where it will be sent to Leland Olds Station.

The limestone delivered to Leland Olds Station, located near Stanton, North Dakota, serves a critical environmental purpose. It is used in the plant's emissions control process to capture sulfur dioxide produced during coal combustion. "By reacting with the sulfur, the limestone converts the harmful gas into a solid material, significantly reducing air pollution and enabling the plant to meet environmental regulations while continuing operations," Derik Romero, Montana Limestone Company plant supervisor, said.

The South Rail Loadout is central to this process. Its reliability and dependability ensure that shipments stay on schedule, minimizing disruptions.

Limestone is loaded directly into rail cars using the South Rail Loadout conveyor system, supporting efficient transportation and logistics operations.

Additionally, efficient rail operations help manage transportation and operational costs, ensuring resources are used effectively. "For Basin Electric's membership, the system represents a tangible return on investment, delivering both environmental compliance and operational value," Romero said.