Dear

 

 

I am writing regarding the 30" natural gas pipeline called The Greenbrier Pipeline proposed by Dominion Resources.   If approved, Dominion would be allowed to invoke the power of eminent domain to cross over 1,000 citizens’ private properties in 3 states.  I am opposed to the pipeline for the following reasons:

 

TESTIMONY BY NATIONAL EXPERT:

  "Natural gas pipelines pose the following environmental concerns: loss or deterioration of cropland, break-up of habitat by right-of-way construction...adverse impacts to wildlife and ecosystems…...wetlands and surface waters. (Concerns include) generation of air pollution from pipeline releases including release of gases that create global warming".*

*Testimony of Lois N. Epstein, P.E. of the Environmental Defense Fund before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 9/29/98.

 

PIPELINE DANGERS

  The dangers of fire, disruption to water supply, property damage, and loss of life are very real Leaks and explosions are not uncommon.  We have statistics on thousands of accidents, hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries and billions in property damage.   

  During construction, Dominion says they will push aside trees and burn them, thus increasing our fire hazard.  Rural volunteer fire departments would be ill-equipped to handle this situation.  They also say they would dynamite steep banks to a "manageable level".  Blasting could cause unpredictable diversion of underground waterways, causing loss of springs and wells and disruption of flows into larger rivers.  They would also need to drill under or build over countless creeks, streams and rivers thus causing silting and clogging.    

  The possibility of a rupture and explosion of the line at any future time would cause the same concerns magnified and include the potential loss of life.

 

CLEAN WATER SUPPLY

  14 of the 18 affected counties are right at the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Here, no water flows in but abundant water flows out through 22 distinct watersheds feeding thousands of rivers to cover a vast area of water supply.  Our waters are considered highest by EPA standards.  THIS LIFE-GIVING RESOURCE IS IRREPLACEABLE.

 

LAND RIGHTS

  If approved, Dominion would be allowed to claim eminent domain and cause our properties to be "condemned".  We would be forced to sell part of our property for Dominion's profits, leaving the rest devalued.

 

NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE BLUE RIDGE

  We have breathtaking views of incredible beauty.  We have abundant wildlife and natural resources, star-filled skies and relative peace and quiet.  People come from miles around to enjoy the views.  The pristine nature of this area must be protected.

 

LIFESTYLES AND ECONOMICS

  Our way of life which is intricately entwined with our habitat is being threatened. Here we are farmers and small business people, artists and carpenters and others who depend on our local resources for survival.  Also; tourism, including hunting fishing and other outdoor recreation, is our most promising enterprise for now and for the future. 

 

IT'S NOT A CURRENT NEED

  This project is designed to serve a projected growth scenario for a possible FUTURE need.  There are various other ways to meet those future energy needs including existing natural gas pipelines in place at the destination.  However, these are owned by other companies.

 

 

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 This project and others like it are politically determined.

   We need to let our representatives know that we want them to OPPOSE the Greenbrier Pipeline. 

  If you're from an affected county please write to your local board of supervisors or county commissioners urging them to reevaluate their position and voice their opposition.

  Everyone, please write your senators and congressmen.  See other links for addresses.

  A picture is worth a thousand words.  If it's simpler, send a picture with a brief statement. For example, "This is my home which would be damaged by this pipeline. Please consider my deep concerns and work to protect the common good".