Trans Canada East Pipeline - Environmental Issues
The Trans Canada pipeline aimed at delivering oil from the west to the eastern side of Canada. Since the project was announced in 2003, it has faced lots of critics, especially from the various environmental groups in Canada. The components of this project involve; the conversion of the previous natural gas pipeline to a petroleum transportation pipeline, bringing up of new pipelines and the building of new associated facilities such as pump stations and tank terminals that may be required for the transportation of crude oil hence facilitating access to the markets by ships. However, in spite of the economic benefits that the Trans Canada pipeline may bring about, the primary concern is the environmental impact that the entire project may bring about.
The environmental groups argue that the companies involved in the project are overstating the benefits to the Canadians whereas the entire project is primarily aimed at the exportation of crude oil. Individuals participating in the oil industry view the pipeline project as a very fruitful business venture due to the vast world market. On the contrary, environmentalist sees the pipeline project as an investment that that can lead Canada into an environmental catastrophe if not well handled. The pipelines transporting bitumen and other oil products from the oils lands create great chances for spillages.
The Keystone pipeline system since its operation in 2010 has experience approximately up to fifteen oil spillages. The most major concern with this pipeline project has been its threats to the environment. There have been no much efforts to ensure spillages are reduced or completely avoided and, therefore, the numbers of such spills are expected to increase with time. The greatest environmental impact feared has been a spillage of oil into the environment since its impacts on the environment is much more than that of natural gas.
The pipeline project poses potential impacts to the environment. The primary impacts that the project may bring about are the toxicological and physical effects. The physical impacts consist of coating of organisms that may result in effects such as the reduction of the insulation ability of fur. Standard procedures should be put in place to counter possibilities of potential environmental impacts cropping up. The companies involved in the project should heavily regulate each and every aspect of the pipeline lifecycle.
To conclude, the key stakeholders should reconsider the environmental impacts of the pipeline projects and not only the economic benefits. Most of the pipeline projects normally lack approve due to these environmental impacts. The general concerns of the environmentalist can be address by putting up relevant standard procedures in place to reduce or prevent any future spillages.
