Don't just focus on pipeline technology. Oil spills and leaks are not the only way pipelines can destroy the environment. Pipelines can be immensely damaging to the environment even if they never leak or spill or drop. What happens when pipelines are trenched through wetlands, streams and other water bodies?
Imagine a pipeline company proposing to build a new pipeline several hundred miles long through hundreds of rivers, streams, and wetlands.
Imagine this pipeline company wants to maximize returns and builds it at break-neck speed at the rate of over one mile a day.
Imagine the U.S. Attorney's Office determining that "Over the length of the pipeline ". . .almost every stream and wetlands crossing was improperly constructed, causing short- or long-term effects to each of those streams and wetlands."
Imagine that after four years of federal investigations, the pipeline company pleds guilty to damaging scores of wetland areas and agrees to pay a $22 million penalty.
You don't have to imagine. This is what happened when the Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company constructed a 375-mile natural gas pipeline in 1991 through more than 500 wetlands and streams in New York and Connecticut. Merely constructing the project resulted in what is believed to be the largest environmental penalty since the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
So don't be fooled by "pipeline safety" experts. Pipelines are bad for the environment even if they don't spill or leak.
From Sarah Spence:
Sue,
If citizens are afraid to oppose a pipeline that will not benefit their state because of potential retaliation from the company, I think that speaks volumes. The pipelines have enjoyed their jack booted thug reputation for a long time (I have 8 years of Olympic pipeline experience and know their tactics too well. But even they have had to mend their ways with a Superior Court judge watching their every move on my property.) If a community will simply allow themselves to be run over roughshod in the name of corporate profits out of fear of retaliation, then that is a very very sad situation.
After Olympic Pipeline blew up our community, they tried to re-start the line before the boys' funerals. They were unsuccessful because the community stood up and vowed to make a difference. I hope yours does, too.
Sarah Spence
PS As for the legislators Dominion has bought, citizens vote and corporations can't. Vote them out!
Sue,
Stand together! They will promise you the world! While they divide and
conquer! Elected officials have a way of getting paid to keep quiet or wait
til it is too late to help. Ask them if they are going to protect you or not.
If you negotiate be sure who your allies are. Look to see who is contributing
to the officials' campaigns! Or who is connected to who that is contributing.
Sound a little cynical? I live in Texas! Good Luck. Look into land use Laws.
They will only do what they have to do, When they are forced to do so! These
people know all the tricks! They also will not protect everyone equally!
This I know from experience. Public outcry alone will not help. Look at some
of the goings on in other states just on this website! Sad! Above all be
dilligent. Get your story out there! The more public, the better chance you
stand. Be ready for a long battle unless you cave. Be careful what your
concessions are! I am praying for you!
Marguerite