Proposed pipeline carrying North Dakota crude oil causing concern in Iowa; state has history of spills

A proposed 1,100-mile pipeline by Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners to carry about 320,000 barrels of North Dakota crude oil daily to Illinois is raising red flags in Iowa, where the pipeline would pass through 17 counties in a state whose pipeline safety record is spotty, William Petroski reports for The Des Moines Register. Iowa has had 100 pipeline spills since 2004.

"Environmental groups cite potential spills as a major reason to oppose the crude oil pipeline," Petroski writes. "Proponents, in turn, contend pipelines are the safest way to transport fuel. In Iowa in the past decade, pipeline accidents have resulted in nearly $20 million in property damage, spilling a total of 10,712 gross barrels of hazardous liquids onto Iowa property, according to the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration."

The project, which would employ 8,000 temporary workers, is scheduled to be operational by 2016, Petroski writes. It still needs to be approved by the Iowa Utilities Board. (Read more)