2.1 Overview of the Proposed Project - Keystone XL pipeline - US ...

Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact StatementKeystone XL ProjectType Mile Post Acres County State aMotor Operated 462.07 0.05 Haakon South DakotaMotor Operated 481.09 0.05 Haakon South DakotaMotor Operated 517.65 0.05 Jones South DakotaMotor Operated 534.11 0.05 Lyman South DakotaMotor Operated 568.39 0.05 Tripp South DakotaMotor Operated 587.13 0.05 Tripp South DakotaMotor Operated 600.98 0.05 Keya Paha NebraskaMotor Operated 813.57 0.05 York NebraskaCheck 813.57 0.05 York NebraskaMotor Operated 861.48 0.05 Jefferson NebraskaSource: exp Energy Services, Inc. 2012a.aNebraska IMLVs include only those on the Final EIS portion of the proposed route. The locations of additional IMLVs on theroute modification in Nebraska have yet to be finally determined.Block valves can block oil flow in both directions and divide up the pipeline into smallersegments that can be isolated to minimize and contain the effects of a line rupture. The blockvalves can be either manually or remotely operated. Check valves are designed to be held openby flowing oil and to close automatically when oil flow stops or is reversed. Each IMLV wouldbe within a fenced site that would be approximately 40 feet by 50 feet. Inspection andmaintenance personnel would access the IMLVs through a gate that would be locked when theIMLV site is unoccupied.Keystone has located remotely operated IMLVs at major river crossings, upstream of sensitivewaterbodies, at each pump station, and at other locations in response to U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency (USEPA) suggestions, and as required by 49 CFR 195.260, and agreed to inPipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) Special Condition 32 (AppendixB, PHMSA 57 Special Conditions for Keystone XL and Keystone Compared to 49 CFR 195).See Sections 4.3, Water Resources, and Section 4.4, Wetlands, for details on project impacts atmajor river crossings and other sensitive areas.Keystone would be able to operate the valves remotely to isolate a section of pipeline in theevent of an emergency to minimize environmental impacts if an accidental leak occurs. Mainlinevalves must be capable of closure at all times. Special Condition 32 also requires that theremotely operated valves have remote power back-up to ensure communications are maintainedduring inclement weather. Each motor-operated valve station would include a diesel-firedemergency generator and a 132-gallon diesel fuel tank with secondary containmentDue to public and agency concerns over sensitive environmental resources, the U.S. Departmentof State (the Department) in consultation with PHMSA and USEPA determined that Keystoneshould commission an engineering analysis by an independent consultant that would review theproposed Project risk assessment and proposed valve placement. The risk analysis is furtherdiscussed in Section 4.13, Potential Releases.Project Description 2.1-23 March 2013