Northern Gateway Pipeline

By looking at water and soil samples that we experimented with, We'll be able to determine our answer to whether the pipeline should be built or not.

If the Northern Gateway Pipeline is built, then the soil and water quality around the area will change dramatically.

This is because some of the oil will leak out of the pipes and contaminate the soil around it, greatly decreasing the pH level.

The plants that grow in this area will all, die off because the soil quality is to poor to thrive off of.

Also, the pH level of the surrounding water will also dramatically decrease because the contaminated soil will seep into the water.

Good water quality is essential to all life on earth – humans, animals, and plants. Plants use water to help with photosynthesis, thus making our oxygen. Animals and humans both use fresh water for drinking. Not only that, water also flushes out dangerous toxins in the body (usually through urination). It also plays the role of a lubricant. It helps us swallow our food easier. It, also, transports the nutrients that we need to go from day to day.

However, if we pollute our water, we won't be able to drink it (or get really sick, doing so). Without water, our bodies cannot regulate temperature, along with the rest of the things above.

The fact that we have good clean water to drink is critical.

Fun Fact:

The oil sometimes clogs the blow holes of whales and dolphins, making it impossible for the animals to breathe properly and disrupting their ability to communicate.

The oil spill can also effect Marine mammals that eat fish or other food that has been exposed to an oil spill. If the oil affects any of these animals, they can die or suffer from other serious complications.

As many will argue, the northern gateway pipeline will indeed open up many job opportunities for British Columbians, Albertans and the rest of Canada. This, is true. Columbians will have 560 job opportunities, Albertans will have 380 and the rest of Canada will have 210. Not only will it open up jobs, it will also increase British Columbia's tax revenue (the amount of money the government gets from taxing) by 1.2 billion dollars. For Albertans, an increase in the provincial tax revenue is estamated 2.8 billion dollars in the first year. As a country, Canada will earn 270 billion dollars to its Gross Domestic Products (GDP).

However, there are some risky factors in building the pipeline. The company that is building this pipeline, has constructed others that have bursted. For example, the pipeline burst in July 2010. A 30 inch pipeline, built by Enbridge, ruptured near Marshall, Michigan. If the Northern Gateway pipeline were to rupture, it would take millions of dollars to clean up. So instead of gaining that money, we'd be losing it.

What are some previous oil-related environmental disasters

There have been many disasters with pipelines around the world. Most involve massive amounts of oil (gallons on gallons) spilling and spreading across the surface of the water. Thousands of marine animals die. Some, were from breathing in the oil. Others, got their food contaminated and were poisoned from that. The following were some of the most devastating oil spills ever known to man.

Soil Sample Test Procedures

Water Sample Procedure

Our Test Results

Soil Tests

Appearances: Dark black or brown. Clumpy and chunky.

Water Tests

Appearances: Control: Clear

Oil: Murky, tainted with a brown substance

Fertilizer: Green

Cleaning Solution: Clear

Acid Rain: Clear

What pollutes our Soil the most?

For example, oil in the forests can help with forest fires, destroying the homes of hundreds of organisms.

But, along with fertilizer (contains phosphorus), it can make plants thrive. There would be surpluses of plants in the forest. But little carbon in the soil.

The acid rain, however, will destroy their habitats. It will decrease the pH level of lakes and rivers, so that none may drink from it. Fish will be driven from these bodies of water, making it hard for animals who rely on fishing to catch their food.

Further Experimenting / Possible Errors?

There are always little flaws that make our experiments different from eachother, so that we may almost never get the EXACT same answer.

Answering the Question

No, we don't think the Pipeline should be buit.

Even though, it helps Canada's economy a lot, the environment is at too much of a risk.Some of the places that the pipeline goes through has endangered species living in it. If we're not careful, we could lose them.

Another concern is the risk of an oil spill. The chances of an oil spill is 87% and the pipeline crosses many lakes and rivers. An oil leak can go into the rivers and streams and contaminate our water supply.

This Prezi was made by: Cody Bell, Matthew Smith, Nyaruot Tap and Darin Nguyen

Our Hypothesys

If this pipeline is built, then it will change our soil quality or water quality, because the oil will leak into the ground and into our water. When the oil leaks into the water, it will cause the pH level of the water to decrease, dramatically, thus making it too acidic for any form of life to use. It will also, dramatically, increase the soil pH. The oil will make it too acidic for any form of plant to grow.

Introduction/Purpose

We have been researching the Northern Gateway Pipeline; it is a proposal project that has been postponed many times since its big announcement in 2000. The pipeline will be constructed by Enbridge Inc. Enbridge Inc. is a well-known Canadian crude oil company, which constructs big projects such as the Northern Gateway Pipeline. They will be using twin pipes, which are said to be as big as the Empire State building. As you can see with any big project like this one, comes along a list of dangers, and concerns. These pipes will be carrying about 193 000 barrels of oil a day, and if a spill was to happen it would cost $9.6 million dollars for cleanup. The pipeline will run through a big part of Alberta and BC, its designated spots are Kitman British Columbia, and Bruderheim Alberta.

Lab Procedures

Soil Nutrient Extraction Procedure

This procedure produces a soil sample which can be used to perform nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus tests.

1. Pour ½ cup of distilled water into a zip-lock freezer bag.

2. Add 8 Floc-Ex Testabs and seal the bag. Shake the bag until the tablets disintegrate. HINT: Trap some air in the bag. The solution will be cloudy.

3. Open the bag and use the plastic spoon to add 5 teaspoons of soil.

4. Close the bag and shake it briskly for 1 minute. During this step you are chemically extracting soil nutrients into the liquid.

5. Hold the bag at an angle and let the soil particles settle for about one minute.

6. Carefully open the bag and use the corner of the bag as a spout and pour the clear liquid into a paper cup.

7. This liquid soil extract is used for the Nitrogen, phosphorus, and Potassium tests.

8. Repeat this procedure with all soil samples.

Soil pH Test Procedure

1.Fill a test bag to the C line with distilled water.

2.Use a plastic spoon to add about ½ teaspoon of soil

3.Add one Soil pH Testab. Roll the top of the bag down 3 or 4 times. Fold the yellow tabs back around the bag. Hold top of the bag and shake for 15 seconds. Do Not pinch or squeeze tablet in the bag or the bag may be damaged –just shake!

4.Let the bag sit for 1 minute so the soil can settle out.

5.Compare the colour of the liquid above the soil to the Colour Chart Poster. Record the pH of the sample on your Journal.

6.Pour the liquid down the drain with excess water. Dump the soil in the trash. Rinse out the test bag for re-use.

7.Repeat this procedure with all soil samples.

Our Mission...

Our objective is to determine whether the pipeline should be built.

Northern Pipe Line Project

What and where is the Northern Gateway Pipeline?

The Northern Gateway Pipeline, stretch's from Kitman British Columbia to Bruderheim Alberta (1,177 km in length). The Northern Gateway Pipeline is two twin pipes running through British Columbia to Alberta, carrying 193,000 barrels of oil a day. It is said to bring more jobs, about 1,150 long term ones, to Canadian citizens. They are using twin pipelines because, the east bound one is to transport natural condensate when the other side, is to carry bitumen from. The Athabasca Oil sands.

Water Appearance Procedure

1. Look at the water samples in a clear glass jar with a white background.

2. Record the appearance in your journal.

3. Repeat this procedure with all water samples.

A map of the pipeline Route

WESTBOUND PIPE

EASTBOUND PIPE

20 In (508 mm)

36 In (914 mm)

Nitrogen Soil Test Procedure

1.Fill a test bag to the C line with the liquid soil extract.

2.Add 1 Nitrate #1 TesTab and roll the bag 3 or 4 times. Fold the yellow tabs back around the bag. Hold the top of the bag and shake until tablet disintegrates.

3.Open the bag, add 1 Nitrate #2 TesTab and roll down the bag to seal it. Shake for 2 minutes to disintegrate the tablet.

4.Wait 3 minutes for the pink colour to develop.

5.Compare the colour of the reaction to the Colour Chart Poster

6.Record the result as a Low, Average or High level of Nitrogen in your journal.

7.Save the left over soil nutrient extract solution and rinse out the test bag for re-use.

8.Repeat this procedure with all soil samples.

What happens to the oil after it reaches BC?

The east line pipeline carries natural gas condensate, and the west line pipeline carries

Butimen from the Athabasca oil sands. After that the butimen is diluted with condensate, it travels to the new terminal that's located in Kitman BC. Than it is finally stocked and than transported to Asain Markets by oil tankers.

Information/Details

on the Pipeline

Is it Worth the Risk?

Our Hypothesis...

You smell like cheese

Atlantic Empress

Fergana valley

When: 1979

Details: 88.3 million gallons of crude oil was spilled into the sea. 26 crew members were killed in this disaster.

Tugboats dragged the tanker that’s was still intact and on fire.

How: Two full super tankers collided 18 nautical miles away from shore

When: 1992

Where: Uzbekistan

Details: 87.7 million gallons of oil spilled from an oil well.

The clean-up didn’t go well because all of the oil leaked into the ground.

Nitrate Water Test Procedure

1. Fill the test tube to the 5 mL line.

2. Add 1 Nitrate #1 TesTab, cap the tube and mix until the tablet has disintegrated.

3. Add 1 Nitrate #2 TesTab, cap the tube and mix until the tablet has disintegrated.

4. Wait 5 minutes, compare the colour of the sample to the Nitrate Colour Chart and record the result as ppm in your journal.

5. NOTE: If sample is yellow record result as 0 ppm.

6. Repeat this procedure with all water samples.

Phosphorus Soil Test Procedure

1. Dilute the liquid soil extract by putting 7 teaspoons of distilled water in a paper cup, adding one teaspoon of liquid soil extract and stir it up.

2. Fill a test bag to the C line with the diluted liquid soil extract.

3. Add 1 Phosphorus TesTab and roll the bag 3 or 4 times. Fold the yellow tabs back around the bag. Hold the top of the bag and shake until tablet disintegrates.

4. Wait 5 minutes for the blue colour to develop. Compare the colour of the reaction to the Colour Chart Poster.

5. Record the results as Low, Average or High level of Phosphorus in your journal.

6. Discard the left over soil solution, rinse out paper cup and the bag for future use.

7. Repeat this procedure with all soil samples.

Transport of Crude Oil through Aboriginal Lands

The northern gateway pipeline goes through the land of 65 First Nation

groups. 55 of these groups agreed that they will

not allow this pipeline to go through their lands. The chance of

an oil spill is great and having something like that in their sacred

lands will taint its magic. Also, the oil leaks that have a chance of

going into their soil can ruin it. The soil will be contaminated with the

soil, leading to water contamination

and health issues. This will cause fish to die out, destroying the part of

aboriginal heritage that is fishing.

Ixtoc 1 oil well

Where: The bay of Campeche Mexico

When: 1979

Details: 140 million gallons of crude spouted oil into the Gulf of Mexico

The oil well collapsed after a pressure build up.

Resources

The Enviromental Concerens of an oil pipe leak.

Oil spill Kills Animals

Spills Kill Fish

Importance of soil quality...

The Northern gateway pipeline could effect the environment a lot if there was a spill the oil couldn’t affect everything around it. The oil spill could kill fish, birds whales, dolphins, seals and sea otters. The chances of a spill are 87%.

Oil spills often take a deadly toll on fish, shellfish and other marine life, particularly if large numbers of fish eggs or larvae have been exposed to the oil. Oil-covered birds are practically a universal symbol of the environmental damage wreaked by oil spills.

Oil spills often take a deadly toll on fish, shellfish and other marine life, pOilarticularly if large numbers of fish eggs or larvae are exposed to the oil. The shrimp and oyster fisheries along the Louisiana coast were among the first casualties of the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon offshore oil spill. Similarly, the Exxon Valdez oil spill destroyed billions of salmon and herring eggs. Those fisheries still have not recovered

Good soil Bad soil

Oil spilled on an animal

Oil pipeline leaks

Good soil quality is also extremely important for life on earth. The dirt that we have on this earth controls many things, including the food chain. Without quality soil, plants cannot grown, nor can animals build their habitat. Without their homes, the animals would soon die off, along with the plants.

Our soil also can contribute to floods. It can regulate the floodwater, so it doesn't flood.

Nitrogen Soil Test Procedure

1. Fill a test bag to the C line with the liquid soil extract.

2. Add 1 Nitrate #1 TesTab and roll the bag 3 or 4 times. Fold the yellow tabs back around the bag. Hold the top of the bag and shake until tablet disintegrates.

3. Open the bag, add 1 Nitrate #2 TesTab and roll down the bag to seal it. Shake for 2 minutes to disintegrate the tablet.

4. Wait 3 minutes for the pink colour to develop.

5. Compare the colour of the reaction to the Colour Chart Poster

6. Record the result as a Low, Average or High level of Nitrogen in your journal.

7. Save the left over soil nutrient extract solution and rinse out the test bag for re-use.

8. Repeat this procedure with all soil samples.

How the Pipeline can affect animals around us?

Since the Northern Gateway Pipeline is said to be as long as the Empire State building, an oil spill from it can be absolutely devastating for the animals in the surrounding area. As you may know along the coast of Alberta and British Columbia, there are 30 highly important bird areas. They would significantly suffer from oil pollution/ leakage, because these areas are known to have a rich ecosystem. It would also harm or endanger the already rare, boreal woodland caribou and the Spirit Bear. Both of these animals are highly endangered, because they only live in British Columbia. If the Pipeline goes through their habitats, an oil spill can greatly damage their homes. For example, an oil spill can go into the plant that they eat, making it unedible.

Dissolved Oxygen Water Test Procedure

1. Fill a small test tube to the top with sample water.

2. Add two Oxygen TesTabs to the test tube.

3. Cap the test tube. Be sure no air bubbles are in the sample.

4. Mix by inverting until the tablets have disintegrated. Takes about 4 minutes.

5. Wait 5 minutes.

6. Compare the colour of the sample to the Dissolved Oxygen Colour Chart and record the results as ppm Dissolved Oxygen.

7. Repeat this procedure with all water samples.

The Spirit Bear

The Boreal Woodland Caribou

What It'll Do for Our Economy...

Compare the following

glasses of water. Which

one would you rather drink?

CARTOON BREAK!!!

You know it's bad when fish need water tanks to breathe

CARTOON BREAK!!!

If fish cant breathe it, how are we to drink it?

They will only use you until the job is done...

Importance of Water Quality...

How can an Oil Pipeline affect us and the organisms around us?

Potassium Soil Test Procedure

1.Fill a test bag to the C line with the liquid soil extract.

2.Add 1 Potassium TesTab and roll the bag 3 or 4 times. Fold the yellow tabs back around the bag. Hold the top of the bag and shake until tablet disintegrates.

3.Compare the cloudiness of the reaction to the Colour Chart Poster. Hold the bag over the black salamanders in the left hand column and see how fuzzy they look. Compare them to the grey salamanders in the right hand column. Record the results as Low, Average or High level of Potassium in your journal.

4.Save the left over soil nutrient extract solution and rinse out the test bag for re-use.

5.Repeat this procedure with all soil samples.

Info on how oil affects

our soil or water

Phosphate Water Test Procedure

1.Fill the test tube to the 5 mL line.

2.Add one Phosphate TesTab

3.Cap the tube and mix until the tablet has disintegrated.

4.Wait 5 minutes, then compare the colour of the sample to the Phosphate Colour Chart and record your results as ppm in your journal.

5.Repeat this procedure with all water samples.

pH Water Test Procedure

1.Fill the test tube to the 10 mL line.

2.Add 1 pH wide range TesTab.

3.Cap the tube and mix until the tablet has disintegrated. Compare the colour of the sample to the pH Colour Chart and record the result in your journal.

4.Repeat this procedure with all water samples.

Turbidity Water Test Procedure

1.Fill the turbidity tube to the line.

2.Place the base of the tube on the outline on the Turbidity Chart.

3.Look down through the sample water at eh Secchi disk icon under the tube.

4.Compare the appearance of the Secchi disks icon under the tube to the grey Secchi disks on either side of the tube to determine the turbidity in JTU. Record the results in your journal.

5.Repeat this procedure with all water samples.

Our Analysis

Fertilizer is the worst for the soil and Oil is the worst for the water.

Environmental Impact (further Analysis)

What pollutes our water the most?

If you look at our pH graph, fertilizer is as low as acid rain, meaning that it's pretty acidic for the soil.

The environmental impact of all these substances (oil, fertilizer, acid rain, and cleaning solution) influence the environment and animals greatly.

The oil is bad for our water.

Yes, perhaps further experimenting is necessary. This is because we did the experiments as a grade. We were using information that other people had given us (most experiment results) and they could've been inaccurate.

First, because it has a high rating of turbidity, which makes the water unclean and unsafe for humans to drink.

And lastly, because it has a rating of nitrate as high as acid rain. High nitrate levels in water is potentially dangerous for humans.

Though high in phosphorus and potassium (vital for plant growth) Fertilizer also contains nitrogen, which depletes the soil of its carbon reserves.

For example, one group may have added too much potassium into their dirt.

Second, because it has the highest rating of Phosphate, which attract algae.

The pipeline goes through aboriginal lands. Many of them have agreed to not let this pipeline go through their lands. Something like an oil pipeline can ruin their tradition of salmon-fishing. The oil can leak from the pipeline and contaminate the fish eggs before they hatch.

Sources...

Information:

http://www.energybc.ca/issues/northerngateway.html

http://www.northerngateway.ca/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enbridge_Northern_Gateway_Pipelines

http://www.northerngateway.ca/economic-opportunity/benefits-for-british-columbians/?gclid=CKajqYLO_LUCFetFMgodCQgASw

http://gatewaypanel.review-examen.gc.ca/clf-nsi/hm-eng.html

http://naturecanada.ca/enews_mar10_enbridge.asp

Pictures/Cartoons:

Google Images:

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2012/01/28/hi-bc-120127-enbridge-northern-gateway-map.jpg

http://blog.shaleshockmedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/dirty-water.jpeg

http://blog.worshiptogether.com/.a/6a00e54f135c9988340133f1f170a2970b-800wi

http://www.toonpool.com/user/856/files/fish_and_h2o_801475.jpg

http://www.gardenswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/testing-soil-quality-soil-pH-values1.jpg

http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/library/themes/compaction/Images/ImpactSoil.jpg

http://images.google.ca/search?hl=en&site=&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1366&bih=647&q=northern+gateway+pipeline&oq=northern+gate&gs_l=img.3.0.0l9j0i5.1906.4483.0.6618.13.10.0.3.3.0.192.1216.1j9.10.0...0.0...1ac.1.5.img.CBC9Pmpt0oI#hl=en&safe=active&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=animal+in+oil+spill&oq=animal+in+oil+spill&gs_l=img.3..0.5955.58922.0.59428.22.14.1.7.8.1.196.1628.6j8.14.0...0.0...1c.1.5.img.RLKiAB9xNRI&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&fp=ed7491ecb9685223&biw=1366&bih=647&imgrc=tJJeaRBlv6dEOM%3A%3BaBLVMWzHxw8X6M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fs1.hubimg.com%252Fu%252F3164900_f520.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Ftrose13.hubpages.com%252Fhub%252FMore-Than-600-Species-Threatened-By-BP-Oil-Spill%3B520%3B347

http://www.postcarbon.org/new-site-files/Articles/Oil_Spill!_by_Berger.jpg

http://www.networlddirectory.com/images/blogs/6-2010/oil-in-contaminated-soils.jpg

http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/suns-prod-images/1329389352536_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&size=650x