By selecting the shorter northern route the pipeline must cross extremely sensitive and protected primary tropical forest. Moreover, the proposed southern route will be constructed along the same track as the existing Trans-Ecuadorian Oil Pipeline, except for a small portion that is diverted south of Quito. It is also worth noting that while both routes pass through areas with a record of volcanic and seismic activity, volcanic activity last occurred along the proposed northern route only two years ago when Volc n Pichincha, near Mindo IBA, exploded causing massive destruction on the opposite side of Quito. The proposed northern route passes north of Quito through sparsely populated areas and runs through the Mindo IBA and the Protectorate Forest of Mindo-Nambillo. If constructed, the pipeline will pass through very sensitive forested lands including extremely sensitive montane cloud forests and remnants of the Choc Pacific lowland forest that once covered much of the northern lowlands of coastal Ecuador and Colombia.
Wildlife including the spectacled bear, jaguar and mountain lion also frequent the area.
Consequently, ecotourism, birdwatching and associated activities are vital to the local economy. Entrix Inc is proposing the pipeline follow sensitive spurs of hills and mountain areas along the northern route. Yet, there is no mention by Entrix Inc of the impact of heavy machinery, oil pollution or the potential impact of opening protected forested areas to human exploitation. However, the EIA report has yet to be released. The local government Prefect from the Pichincha Province also adamantly opposes the northern 'Mindo' route.