They spared no expense in making it safe, efficient and VERY low impact.As far as being SAFE, we just experienced a magnitude7.9 earthquake.
There were bent VSM's, even broken VSM's. The pipe was off the VSM's in several places,BUT, there was no SPILLED OIL.
There were millions of dollars lost while the pipeline was shut down for repairs, but no spilled oil.
Thank you for that real world reality check. I based my opinion on photos of the materials and process of construction. Having spent a few years building houses from the ground up my interest is always peaked about how things are built. It appeared to me that they didn't half-step on anything concerning that pipeline. And why would they? As you point out even a short term interruption costs millions of dollars.
As far as oil being spilled from the pipeline they have valve gates at intervals all along its length don't they? I imagine they are automatically and/or remotely controlled.
Anyway, from the point of view of an engineer, a craftsman or a tradesman its construction is a beautiful thing. Barring any discussion of what it's like working in sub-zero weather hundreds of miles from the nearest human settlement. ; )