This post was supposed to publish at the end of January. For some reason it didn’t.  Better late than never. 

This month there have been two more pipeline leaks.

The first was on January 14.  It spilled 50,000 gallons of oil into the Yellowstone River in Montana.  It has affected drinking water for some locals.

The second was on January 30.  Exact numbers aren’t in yet for it, but 1,400 barrels of oil have been recovered.  The leak was in Blue Ridge, Texas.  It appears a contractor accidentally cut a 30-inch high pressure oil line.

Now, I’m a fan of the pipelines that are being put in here in West Virginia for economic reasons.  I’m a realist, though.  Pipelines deteriorate.  Pipelines get punctured.  Pipelines rupture.  Pipelines explode.  There is a clear risk in living or working close to a pipeline.  While I believe the risk is low, it’s still there.  Anyone who agrees to have a pipeline close to their house or business has to be aware of the risk.  That’s why I publish this data.

Be informed.