Keystone XL pipeline's alternative route would have minimal impact, State Department says

Omaha World-Herald :

The U.S. State Department, in response to a judge’s order, has reported that operation of an alternative route for the Keystone XL pipeline would pose “negligible to minor” threats to groundwater and other natural resources.

The 340-page report says safeguards used by pipeline developer TransCanada would most likely prevent a leak from causing extensive contamination of ground or surface water along the so-called “mainline alternative route” approved last year by the Nebraska Public Service Commission.

“Prompt cleanup response would likely be capable of remediating the contaminated soils before the hazardous release reaches groundwater depth,” the report says.