The Route

The $8 billion, 1,179-mile Keystone XL pipeline would move 830,000 barrels per day of oil sands crude from Hardisty, Alberta, across the U.S. border to Steele City, Nebraska, where it would connect with a previously approved line. The project requires a Presidential Certificate from the Obama administration to allow the line to cross the border.



SHALLOW WATERS

In Nebraska, parts of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline cut across areas with a shallow water table. These areas are more susceptible to groundwater contamination if a spill occurs. Of the 2,537 wells that are located within one mile of the entire proposed route, the majority of them are in Nebraska. Additionally, TransCanada, the company behind the proposed pipeline, remains embroiled in time-consuming disputes with landowners over the proposed route.


U.S. crude imports from Canada

Oil price

U.S. crude imports by rail from Canada

Canadian oil sands production

WELLS DRILLED IN ALBERTA

ACTIVE RIGS IN ALBERTA

Sources: Thomson Reuters; Energy Information Administration; Environment Canada; Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers; TransCanada; Les Howard, Conservation and Survey Division, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
By Christine Chan | REUTERS GRAPHICS