| Environmental groups say Keystone pipeline poses danger |
| Saturday, 20 February 2010 15:26 |
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As with the first Keystone pipeline to cross eastern South Dakota, the second Keystone pipeline approved this week by the state Public Utilities Commission is also getting opposition from environmental and land-owner groups. Three groups, the Sierra Club, Plains Justice, and Dakota Rural Action, are opposed to the construction of the pipeline in its present form. The three groups say the pipeline company is asking to be allowed to operate at 80 percent of the maximum burst pressure instead of the standard 72 percent used on pipelines in rural areas. The groups say this increases the danger from leaks, explosions and spills. On Thursday, the PUC approved the Keystone XL pipeline with 50 safety requirements the company must meet. Al Van Zee |
