KXL and Water

And so in Arkansas that which all knew could happen, did happen. Everyone knew it would happen because it always does. Anywhere a pipeline is laid, there will come a time when that pipeline will be breached in some manner and its content spilled out into the surrounding area. Destroying whatever manner of organisms are unable to escape. That is the nature of pipelines. And that being true, all could foresee what would happen given time. What has happened in Arkansas is a disaster, of that there can be no doubt. As it was in Montana when a pipeline broke open and spilled killer carbon on that land. And as it was in Alaska, and countless other places all over the world. They are all horrible damage done to the place we all call home. Planet Earth. And yet, knowing what we all know can and will happen, our own government, in partnership with KXL plans to connect a pipeline carrying tar sand through one of the most delicate water systems on our continent. Not only does the system water untold cattle, other livestock and those who reside in that area, but it also provides fresh water to a good many of the people who inhabit the Midwest region. Surely you would think that people armed with the knowledge that such damage could be done would not go ahead with such a foolhardy plan. But, it seems that such a thing is not only possible but has a good chance of happening. Why, you might rightfully ask, would possess anyone to destroy their own drinking water? The answer of course is the same as it is for those who clear cut timber, or conduct longwall mining for coal. PROFIT!! And not just profit. But, profit at any cost. This mentality, which caused the collapse of the world economy in 2008, is alive and well in the carbon extraction business. The Tar Sands taken from the ground in Alberta, CA calls for more use of water that even the fracking now taking place throughout the US. Not only is it used in the extraction process, but great amounts are needed to pipe the slurry. In this case the slurry is to be piped from Alberta, CA to Port Arthur, TX. That, my friends, requires a helluva lot of water. The cost of all that water and its loss to society for drinking or growing food is of no consequence to these folks. So, would they, knowing that those pipelines break regularly and catastrophically, put a pipeline through the Ogallala Aquifer to carry Tar Sands that could destroy the drinking water of millions of people? Of course they would. And, they would be given the ok and support of our own political leadership. If this kind of thing chaps your hide, the folks over at 350.ORG could always use a little help.