The strengths of pipeline construction typically cited are that pipelines are cost-efficient, economically beneficial, and reliable. Unfortunately, the price of pipeline construction usually destroys local ecosystems.
It's common to see pipeline companies using exaggerated statistics to validate their reasoning for creating pipelines.
One of those reasons is job creation. This benefit of employment is raised for the comfort of public opinion. However, the jobs created are only for the duration of construction, which can last for a few years until construction is complete. Once the project is complete, most of the construction workers are let go.
The head of the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association, Brenda Kenny said, "Pipelines do create jobs...but it's almost immaterial compared to the big picture." The U.S. State Department identified that a similar construction project, the Keystone XL export pipe, would only result in 50 permanent jobs.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Committee identified 22 species federally listed as threatened, endangered, or candidate in the pipeline's path and could be harmed by construction. The pipelines are causing wildlife disturbance and soil erosion, impacting 117 residences within 50 ft of the laying line and 2,353 acres of prime farmland.
The size and length of the pipeline raise a grave concern about possible leakage. This fact is magnified in value when considering the damages if these lines are leaked. Leaking natural gases and oils could poison acres of land and destroy underground water as the pipeline crosses under 986 waterway crossings. Any damage would need to be corrected swiftly to minimize damage.
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's approval of the Mountain Valley Pipeline was unlawful. Jason Rylander, the senior endangered species counsel for Defenders of Wildlife, "The Mountain Valley Pipeline poses an enormous threat to the fish, wildlife, forests, and people in its path...The Service needs to reconsider its biological opinion, and further construction of this environmentally destructive project should cease before iconic species and landscapes are lost forever."
It would also threaten farm life, national forests, and historic sites. Not only that, but this pipeline can also endanger the safety of nearby residents. It can also worsen climate change a great deal.
The beauty and diversity of the Mountain Valley should remain untouched. Constructing a new pipeline does not only endanger species of animals and plants alike, it's just not reasonable and can be very harmful in the future. The state of Virginia should invest instead in more eco-friendly solutions like solar and wind energy, which will be more sustainable and protect the landscape, and the plants, animals, and people who call Virginia home.
