TransCanada officially sucks.
Keystone leak probe points to damage from 3,000-kg weight commonly used to secure pipelines
A U.S. regulator's preliminary investigation into the biggest oil pipeline spill this year has raised a red flag that could trigger an extensive and costly inspection of tens of thousands of miles of underground energy lines.
The 5,000-barrel leak on TransCanada Corp's Keystone pipeline on Nov. 16 in South Dakota might have stemmed from damage caused by a weight put in place when it was built in 2008, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration said in a report published on Tuesday.
Weights are used to prevent pipelines from moving and reduce the risk of damage or ruptures when water tables rise. The regulator's finding has implications for the 2,687-mile (4,324 km) pipeline and others throughout the world.
The weights, which tip the scales at 7,000 pounds (3,175 kg) or more, are commonly used, but only the pipeline operators know where they are located.
Damage from weights "could happen on other segments of this pipeline and other pipelines," said Najmedin Meshkati, professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Southern California.
The Keystone pipeline carries 590,000 barrels per day from Alberta's oil sands to U.S. refineries. TransCanada's proposed Keystone XL line would add another 830,000 bpd of capacity.
Keystone leak probe points to damage from 3,000-kg weight commonly used to secure pipelines - Calgary - CBC News
Keystone leak probe points to damage from 3,000-kg weight commonly used to secure pipelines
A U.S. regulator's preliminary investigation into the biggest oil pipeline spill this year has raised a red flag that could trigger an extensive and costly inspection of tens of thousands of miles of underground energy lines.
The 5,000-barrel leak on TransCanada Corp's Keystone pipeline on Nov. 16 in South Dakota might have stemmed from damage caused by a weight put in place when it was built in 2008, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration said in a report published on Tuesday.
Weights are used to prevent pipelines from moving and reduce the risk of damage or ruptures when water tables rise. The regulator's finding has implications for the 2,687-mile (4,324 km) pipeline and others throughout the world.
The weights, which tip the scales at 7,000 pounds (3,175 kg) or more, are commonly used, but only the pipeline operators know where they are located.
Damage from weights "could happen on other segments of this pipeline and other pipelines," said Najmedin Meshkati, professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Southern California.
The Keystone pipeline carries 590,000 barrels per day from Alberta's oil sands to U.S. refineries. TransCanada's proposed Keystone XL line would add another 830,000 bpd of capacity.
Keystone leak probe points to damage from 3,000-kg weight commonly used to secure pipelines - Calgary - CBC News
