As large as the Ogallala is with so many depending on it for their only potable water source, it’s would be catastrophic to have oil infiltrate and poison the aquifer which could happen if a transcontinental oil pipeline was approved. 

The Gulf of Mexico BP oil rig blowout was bad enough with visible oil slicks, but how the heck are you supposed to clean up an aquifer?  Some things are better off left as they are, because we all know that sh*t happens.

You got that right seahorse!!  The Ogallala is a rather shallow aquifer (300 - 500 ft deep, whereas our aquifers go as deep as 2,000 ft) and an oil spill could very easily penetrate to that depth. As you say, an aquifer can’t be “cleaned” and when there are MILLIONS of people in several states dependent on that aquifer, not to mention the millions of acres of crops produced because of the Ogallala, it could be catastrophic for the entire U.S.!!

Man made cats are the scariest kinds!

cheryl - 14 October 2011 05:20 PM

You got that right seahorse!!  The Ogallala is a rather shallow aquifer (300 - 500 ft deep, whereas our aquifers go as deep as 2,000 ft) and an oil spill could very easily penetrate to that depth. As you say, an aquifer can’t be “cleaned” and when there are MILLIONS of people in several states dependent on that aquifer, not to mention the millions of acres of crops produced because of the Ogallala, it could be catastrophic for the entire U.S.!!

You could pour 1M bbl’s of crude oil on top of the ground and it couldn’t seep more than 25’-30’ into the ground, crude is to viscous to seep 300’-500’ into the ground.

Then I’ve always wondered about the crude that is already underground close to the aquifers, why doesn’t it seep into them and pollute them? Hmmmm makes you wonder.

Good point coyote!

Can it can be PROVEN that this pipeline won’t in ANY way whatsoever jeopardize the Ogallala or any other water source, or that it won’t contaminate the soil where crops are grown?

Regardless, it appears as though it’s going to happen and unfortunately, WHEN there is an oil spill, we’ll all pay for it, with higher food prices and maybe food shortages.

  I don’t think it’s worth taking that chance…

cheryl - 24 October 2011 07:03 AM

Good point coyote!

Can it can be PROVEN that this pipeline won’t in ANY way whatsoever jeopardize the Ogallala or any other water source, or that it won’t contaminate the soil where crops are grown?

Regardless, it appears as though it’s going to happen and unfortunately, WHEN there is an oil spill, we’ll all pay for it, with higher food prices and maybe food shortages.

  I don’t think it’s worth taking that chance…

Two things’ that should be said here, 1.) If it means more jobs here in the United States of America, I wish they would drill, mine, frack, whatever is needed. 2.) If it helps in cutting our energy/oil dependency well I say “Build Baby Build”.

Plus, I’ll tell you a little about how they will build this pipeline, first whatever route they plot-out for this pipeline they will double wall the pipeline to contain an internal leak, and this will also protect it from any outside damage, they will also double wall the pipeline underground in a material called “Core 10” to protect it from rust, they will dig down approx. 10’ above ground and lay down oil resistant material (thick sheeting) that is impervious to an oil spill (kind of like a catch basin), then lay down a layer of stone and cover it with fill.

Another thing, check on how many dangers leaks have been reported involving the Alaska pipeline. Hmmmmmmm, makes ya think.

Be careful for what you wish for….