The Construction of The Keystone Pipeline in Alberta, Canada

In June of 2010, a plan to construct a pipeline that would run from Alberta, Canada through the center of the United States making its way to its final destinations in, Nederland, Texas and Pakota, Illinois were finally commissioned. The plan to construct the pipeline that would connect the two countries certainly began with good intentions, however many people would disagree. When viewing the plans for construction of what became known as the Keystone Pipeline, it’s apparent that there are numerous benefits that result from building the pipeline. On the other hand, some people argue that assembling such a pipeline would cause detrimental effects to multiple variables that play a role in the blueprints to fabricate the Keystone Pipeline.

The Keystone Pipeline has three sections that are expected to be constructed. The first section runs from Hardisty, Alberta to Steele City, Nebraska, and then over to Pakota, Illinois. The second section is extends from Steele City, Nebraska down to Cushing, Oklahoma. The final section extends from Cushing, Oklahoma to Nederland, Texas. As of now, there is a fourth proposed section that runs from Hardisty, Alberta through Baker, Montana and reaches its final destination in Steele City, Nebraska. However, this phase hasn’t been finalized and still remains a proposal and nothing more. The length of the pipeline is expected to be approximately 4,299 miles. The Keystone Pipeline will carry approximately 900,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Construction of the pipeline has already begun, however construction across the U.S.-Canadian border has been halted due to the failure of TransCanada’s —the company funding the project— attempt to receive a presidential permit from President Barack Obama (Sava...

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... during and after construction. For example, a leak or spill could occur along the pipeline causing the spill to gradually seep into surrounding sources of drinking water. A main point of concern would be the Ogallala Aquifer located in Nebraska. The Ogallala Aquifer supplies water to nearly two million people, and if this reliable source of drinking water happened to be contaminated by a leak or spill as a result from the Keystone Pipeline, the consequences could be devastating (Palliser, 2).

Works Cited

Terry, Lee. "Keystone Xl: The Pipeline To Energy Security." Creighton Law Review 46.1 (2012): 61-88. Academic Search Premier. Web. 1 Apr. 2014.

Palliser, Janna. "The Keystone XL Pipeline." Science Scope 35.9 (2012): 8,11,13. ProQuest. 1 Apr. 2014

Savage, Luiza Ch. "Friends Like These." Maclean's 124.46 (2011): 44-46. Academic Search Premier. Web. 1 Apr. 2014