Activity 4: Unbiased Perspective Piece
April 22, 2015
Kiva Gayle
Social Domain
To: The Board of Supervisors
Because you have the task of deciding whether the proposed Spectra Pipeline will be placed within our area or not, I have a few possible priorities that I wish to bring to your attention. The first is compensation for the pipeline for those families affected. The second is preservation of the area. The third is possible effects of the implantation of the pipeline for the community and the environment.
Compensation for the Pipeline
The pipeline is going to run through the farmland of some your residents, including the Goodall family’s farm. The company is going to pay them a lot of money to dig up their land, however, the long term costs of the pipeline may exceed the lump sum given by Spectra. The family’s future generation also may not feel the same way about the pipeline as their predecessors do leading to the farmland to losing sentimental value.
Preservation of the Area
Since Madison County is home to many mountains and hills as well as a farmers market that attracts many tourists, If the pipeline implementation destroys the beauty of the area, then the amount of tourists to this area will decrease. The county will, however, be paid a large sum for the pipeline to be placed and it is possible to restore the beauty of the land. Although, this process does take many years to finish and the land will never be fully restored to its original beauty as routine fixes will further disturb the land.
Possible Effects of the Implantation of the Pipeline for the Beyond Madison County
With the implantation of the pipeline, there is the possibility of gas leaks that can cause health issues. Family members that are located close to the pipeline with poor health can be badly impacted if this was to occur. The gas leaks also cause pollution in the atmosphere which can impact other areas in Virginia or farther. The pipeline will allow natural gas to be transported to areas that may need it the most. This in turn can help create billions of dollars in revenue for the United States as it is a versatile, renewable, sustainable gas.
There are still areas that need further research before a decision can be made. One is how much it is going to cost to restore the land after the pipeline is in place. Another is what the likelihood of leaks will be to the area and to what extent the impact is on both air pollution and heath of the residents.
I hope you will take these priorities into consideration.
Kiva Gayle
Social Domain
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