In particular, lawmakers in Nebraska have suggested TransCanada change the route of the pipeline to avoid crossing over the vast Ogallala Aquifer, a major groundwater source for the Plains.
That really should not be a concern as it would take a catastrophic failure of the pipeline at just the right place and followed by very inept response to even have a small chance of oil permeating the aquifer.
However, the EPA and the land owners along the pipeline route will make it difficult to get the pipeline built.
The recent gulf oil spill is a pefect example of catastrophic failure and inept response.