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Protecting the Environment
At TransCanada, environmental responsibility is more than just talk. We translate our words into actions by applying an environmental focus to the complete lifecycle of our projects, from business development to design and construction. TransCanada conducts its business activities in compliance with all applicable environmental legislation and regulations to protect the environment. An important first step in a pipeline projects is to develop an understanding of the existing environmental resources along the route so that we can anticipate and avoid or mitigate environmental impacts to the greatest extent practical.
Keystone XL is devoted to minimizing its environmental impact along the proposed route. Recognizing the importance of native prairie as well as soil and top soil conservation, the project team will implement calculated methods sand techniques designed for the highest quality reclamation process. In all cases, great care and planning will be taken to minimize and avoid impacts to the environment, including rare or endangered species, habitat, significant water crossings, and historical and paleontological resources.
Pipelines are safe and the chance of a significant spill is remote, yet TransCanada is ready to respond to limit volume and impacts. Pipelines are the safest, most reliable, economical and environmentally favorable way to transport oil and petroleum products.
TransCanada would be responsible for clean-up. Remediation would be required to meet state and federal standards and would ensure the protection of human health and the environment. In the highly unlikely event that groundwater wells were adversely impacted, TransCanada would be responsible for providing an alternative water supply.
Pipelines are the safest, most reliable, economical and environmentally favorable way to transport oil and petroleum products, as well as other energy liquids, throughout North America. In addition to demands for petroleum for transportation, petroleum hydrocarbons are used by many other industries to produce valuable materials, including, drugs and pharmaceuticals, plastics, chemicals, and construction materials. Pipelines are a vital part of our energy infrastructure and have been quietly serving us for decades.
Leaks from pipelines are rare and tend to be small. In addition, Keystone incorporates proven design features and construction methods, as well as a state of art integrity management program. Overall, the approach helps ensure Keystone operates safely in the area such as the Ogallala Aquifer. However,TransCanada also is prepared to respond to limit any release from the Keystone System and to clean-up if a leak were to occur.
Native rangelands are important ecosystems that support a variety of uses such as livestock grazing, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities. With over 50 years of experience building and operating pipelines, TransCanada has successfully reclaimed thousands of acres of native rangeland on pipeline rights-of-way throughout North America. Included in these efforts are successful pipeline reclamation projects in the arid native prairie regions of southern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan,including areas such as the Great Sand Hills of Saskatchewan. Recognizing that the native rangelands within the Sand Hills region of southern South Dakota and central Nebraska pose unique challenges, Although we are experienced at native rangeland reclamation, TransCanada engaged in discussions with several regional experts on Sand Hills ecology and restoration at universities and government agencies, including experts at the University of Nebraska, the University of South Dakota, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and state road departments.
Related Information
Nebraska Reclamation
At TransCanada, environmental responsibility is more than just talk.
