Pipelines emit toxic greenhouse gases. Compressor stations keep the gas moving through the line, but they emit benzene, sulfuric oxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, radon, and other substances into the air, soil, and water, as well as significant amounts of methane. Methane is a greenhouse gas 84 times more potent at trapping heat than carbon, according to the Environmental Defense Fund.
Pipelines can explode. Pipelines are not immune to damage, leaks, and ruptures. When this happens, they can explode and cause enormous fires. In 2012 alone, the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration reported 244 serious pipeline explosions, leading to $180 million in damages and the loss of ten lives. Humans, wildlife, farm animals and family pets suffer the consequences. Contaminated soil, water, and air affect human and animal health. In addition to the ill effects of accidents, people have reported health problems like skin rashes and swelling, asthma, migraines and dizziness. Cancer clusters are probable in the coming decades. If people are experiencing these symptoms, wild and domesticated animals certainly are as well. Pipelines make homes uninsurable and unsaleable. Insurers have been unwilling to cover homes with pipelines underground, and banks are unwilling to offer mortgages on those properties. Pipeline jobs are construction jobs. While jobs mean livelihood, most of the jobs from the pipeline are not permanent and may not even be filled by Medina residents. |