Keystone XL: an "XL" Decision for Nebraska

Land owners, environmentalist and citizens in Nebraska are putting up a fight against the construction of the Keystone XL. This pipeline will transport DilBit, a corrosive form of crude oil, through Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. TransCanada submitted their permit application to the State Department in September of 2008. The controversy stems from the length of time for approval, the worst-case scenario environmental impact evaluations and the accuracy of those evaluations by the company as required by the Clean Water Act and National Environmental Policy Act.

The North American-Made Energy Security Act, H.R. 1938 was introduced in May to expedite consideration for a final Presidential Decision by November 1, 2011. The evaluation process has taken over two years where government and company studies may lead one to believe that the pipeline will be safe. However, there are independent studies which suggest otherwise.

According to an independent study by John Stansbury of the University of Nebraska, the evaluations provided by TransCanada are not entirely accurate and should not be used for "worst case scenario" predictions. TransCanada "ignored historical data that represents 23 percent of historical pipeline spills." DilBit is more corrosive and abrasive than conventional crude oil and pipelines will operate at higher pressure and temperatures. Dilbit's acidity is "15-20 times" more plus "5-10 times the sulfur content and higher levels of abrasive sediments" compared to crude oil according to Gareth Crandall, an independent energy consultant. A realistic assessment for leaks would be 91 spills over a "50 year design life of the pipeline" compared to TransCanada's "11 major spills during the 50 year design life".

Benzene is a human carcinogen in DilBit. A worst case spill in the Ogallala aquifer would be enough to "contaminate 4.9 billion gallons of water." The plume would be the length of 264 football fields. This aquifer is known as one of the world's largest aquifers which provide drinking water to 82% of the people who live within the aquifer boundary. If released into the Missouri River, there would be a plume of about 450 miles with a worst case release of 5.16 million gallons. The Platte River would also be affected with a worst case release volume of 5.92 million gallons. Other toxins are hydrogen sulfide and PAH's. In addition, the very dense and thick sludge would be damaging to various habitats and endangered species.

The U.S. government claims the approval of the Keystone XL will decrease gasoline prices, improve unemployment rates and increase the fuel supply for the Department of Defense. TransCanada provided an analysis stating how the barrel cost in the Midwest would increase by $6.55 per barrel and $3 per barrel everywhere else. Americans would spend 10-20 percent more per gallon on gasoline and diesel fuel, according to Dr. Philip Verlerger.

TransCanada's history in containing and preventing spills leaves one to wonder if this is a smart idea by the U.S. The cons outweigh the pros for the Keystone XL pipeline. Human and environmental impact would be disastrous.