Keystone will have to make sure that they have proper preventive predictive maintenance resources on-hand to circumvent potential disasters.

Of all the oil spill-related news to make headlines within the last few years, much of the attention has been focused on a pipeline that hasn't even been built, let alone had a chance to leak. The proposed construction of the Keystone XL pipeline has drawn both supporters and detractors who feel incredibly strongly on their respective positions. On one hand, the oil that will be pumped through this channel will provide energy to millions of people who need it. However, there are safety issues that concern those opposed, namely when it comes to the wellbeing of those who work on and reside in the area of the proposed pipeline.

In order to justify carrying this project out, Keystone will have to make sure that they have proper preventive predictive maintenance resources on-hand to circumvent potential disasters.

Pipeline alternatives deemed more dangerous
Those who are in favor of building the Keystone XL pipeline are beginning to cite new statistics in their quest for approval - specifically ones that relate to predicted fatalities tied to different methods of transport. The Motley Fool reported that, according to the State Department, moving the oil by rail as opposed to pipeline could result in as many as 434 deaths and 2,947 injuries over the next 10 years. This is attributed mainly to the probability of train derailment, which has occurred before in relation to the shipment of oil.

"The industry has found that rail can be economical enough that most oil sands projects are still moving forward," wrote Motley Fool contributor Matt DiLallo. "That's creating quite a dilemma for environmentalists as they now will need to weigh the potential environmental cost of an oil train leak in an environmentally sensitive area with the growing concern of an explosive train derailment in the center of town."

Opposition still remains
But even with this in mind, there are people who still believe that this pipeline should not have the chance to be built. According to Switchboard, TransCanada - the company behind the proposed Keystone pipeline - has not had a perfect record in relation to maintenance. Dented pipes and bad welding, among other issues, were found to be common on the organizations' line on the Gulf Coast. This oil, however, is essential to modern life. In order to justify carrying out this project, TransCanada must invest in equipment condition monitoring systems that will provide early warning to structural weaknesses.

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