BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A coalition of four labor groups says a company proposing a crude oil pipeline in southwest North Dakota can't be trusted to build and operate the line safely.

Officials with Laborers International Union of North America say they will testify in opposition to the project at a public hearing Thursday in Belfield.

The 15-mile-long pipeline is being proposed by Bridger Pipeline LLC. The Wyoming-based company is responsible for a 30,000-gallon oil spill into Montana's Yellowstone River in January.

A labor coalition spokesman tells The Bismarck Tribune the issue is not about union versus non-union workers and companies. Evan Whiteford says the group supports pipelines but they have to be built and maintained correctly.

Bridger Pipeline officials did not immediately return telephone calls to The Associated Press on Thursday.

More From US 103-3