11/13/13
Geology 100

Keystone XL Pipeline
The presentation on the Observation’s on Geology, Society, and the Nebraska Geological Survey where very interesting, and explained in multiple different ways. I observed many different points of views from Dr. Joechel and also the community. He started by the concept of, “Environmental literacy requires an appreciation of the solid Earth!” This meant a lot to him and he mentioned he wish’s everyone could understand it. He then went into talking about the aspects of mineral resource availability, and how many factors play into it. These include technical, environmental, social, political, and economic factors. People do not know the difference between hazard and risk he explained, “the pipeline is a potential hazard.” A significant hazard may or may not mean significant risk. Risk cannot exist in the absence of hazard. He had a lot of backup knowledge and understanding slides leading up to the main topic, which is when he introduced the Keystone pipeline expansion. I learned that the pipeline expansion allows for the shorter route for the transfer of heavy crude oil (crude bitumen) from tank farms in Alberta storing product derived from Athabasca Tar Sands. It would also carry oil from the Bakken and Three Froks Formations in Williston Basin of Montana and North Dakota. It would generate about 20,000 jobs in the U.S. Some of the pros of the pipeline would be that it’s an efficient mean of transport and will lead to lower prices and increased energy independence. If the product is coming from Canada then how are we independent one might ask? He explained that it is unknown. Some cons were that products will be exported and will not ease prices or supply constraints Next, he introduced everyone to what is oil or “tar sand?” He explained that it is sandy sediments containing about 10-15% viscous