The Enbridge/Enterprise Seaway Pipeline began operations in May 2012.[1] It reversed a 36-year old pipeline to carry tar sand crude from Cushing OK to the Texas Gulf coast.[2] In January 2013, the flow rate for Seaway was increased when new pumps were brought online[3] Enbridge and Enterprise announced in March, 2012, plans to build a twin pipeline next to exisiting Seaway[4]

 

Concerns regarding the Seaway include the following:

• Tar Sand is far more toxic than conventional crude.
• Pipeline transports highly pressurized, acidic and corrosive material, making pipes susceptible to rupture.
• Aging pipeline is over 36 years old (built in 1976).
• Tar sand spill threatens DFW water supplies and their tributaries with proprietary material that is difficult, if not impossible to clean up.
• Tar sand crude will increase U.S. oil costs 2-4 billion dollars.
• Tar sand is meant for export, not to decrease our dependency on foreign oil.
• Lack of oversight demands both federal and state agency intervention regarding tar sand pipelines.

 

5/25/2013: Houston Tar Sands Sacrifice Zone?

4/15/2013: Tar Sand Pipelines increase gas prices, reduce energy security

4/2/2013: Toxic and Tax Exempt; How Oil Spills from Michigan to Arkansas Cost Us All

12/21/2012: PHMSA study finds flaws in pipeline leak detection systems