Prospects brighten for coal slurry pipelines
Coal slurry pipelines are experiencing a surge of activity. There are now eight pipeline projects in existence or being planned. Although it seems unlikely considering the institutional hurdles, all could be in operation by the mid-1980's. Technical problems have been overcome and the economic advantages of pipelines over rail transport for long distances are accepted. The major problems facing would-be pipeline operators involve legal battles over rights-of-way and obtaining enough water to operate the pipelines. Most of the coal to be transported by proposed pipelines will be mined in relatively arid regions where water is expensive and is a matter of some emotional concern. There are problems in satisfying these concerns and other environmentalists' objections. Because several studies (one from the Office of Technology assessment, and one from the General Accounting Office, particularly) have recently concluded with favorable assessments, there is optimism that Congress will alter the Federal laws pertaining to eminent domain, generally favorable to the railroads, pipeliners' major competitor.
- OSTI ID:
- 6011889
- Journal Information:
- Chem. Eng. News (Wash., D.C.); (United States), Vol. 57:21
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
POLICY AND ECONOMY
01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
COAL
SLURRY PIPELINES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
LEGAL ASPECTS
COAL DEPOSITS
COAL INDUSTRY
COAL MINES
COAL RESERVES
FREIGHT PIPELINES
TRANSPORT
WATER REQUIREMENTS
WATER RESOURCES
WATER RIGHTS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
INDUSTRY
MINES
PIPELINES
RESERVES
RESOURCES
294001* - Energy Planning & Policy- Coal
290700 - Energy Planning & Policy- Transport & Storage
013000 - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Transport
Handling
& Storage