SPILL: Pipeline peril awaits

The picture and article, 10/26/13, section B, page 5, is exactly what the Midwest has to look forward to if and when the Keystone pipeline is built. Instead of a small, greater than football field-sized oil spill, it’ll be more likely several hundred acres, and will be over their main aquifer. This “small” leak was because of a 1/4” hole. What happens when a hundred foot section flows out, or worse yet a few nut cases do the job in several places at once?

Here in Idaho we’re saying “Well, it’s not here in beautiful Idaho.” Well, dream on, because if the oil companies get their way you don’t think they’ll be eyeing the West Coast? We’ll be facing a massive clean-up when the first 100-plus train load dumps its load of coal or oil over the aquifer, and don’t think they can’t pump over the Rockies or the Bitterroots, just go up to Alaska and see what they’ve done. I know, because I stood next to it from 3 feet away and looked at it running 10 miles away, and no security except from the air.

Oh, by the way, where do you think the air pollution comes from after all the coal and oil is shipped to the Orient?

PAUL UNDERWOOD

St. Maries