Saving Ohio: Environmental disasters waiting to happen.
America consumes almost 3x more oil than it produces daily. It seems instead of investing in new renewable energy technologies we are doubling down on oil, coal and, natural gas.
Section One: Introduction
All across America from the major fracking in Oklahoma, to the Dakota Access pipeline (DAPL), and many other projects. We are investing money in soon to be antiquated fuel sources.
In Ohio, we are seeing the proposed Nexus pipeline, and the fracking of Wayne National Forest. Nexus alone will cross over several major rivers and sources of drinking water in northern Ohio.
(Nexus and connecting pipelines. Source Marcellus Drilling News)
Section Two: The Nexus Pipeline
The Nexus pipeline will be lorded as a "job creator" or helping to produce American energy. The truth of the matter is, Nexus will create temporary jobs, and not all of that shale will remain in America for American consumption.
No pipeline is "leak safe." This pipeline's proposed path take it over or near the Ohio, Tuscarawas, Olentangy, Sandusky and Maumee rivers. These are major waterways in Ohio.
Ohio has rivers that flow northward towards Lake Erie and rivers that flow south to the Ohio River. This pipeline crossed both types of rivers and tributaries in the state. This is a disaster waiting to happen.
(Map of Ohio with the river system overlaid. Counties and areas in white are directly "down stream" from crossings of Nexus and could be affected if there was a leak.)
Section Three: Wayne National Forest
(Wayne National Forest highlighted in Dark Green. Marietta Unit, Athens Ranger District, Ironton Unit labeled. Source CityBeat)
Wayne National Forest are pristine sections of Ohio.
Wayne National Forest is the only National forest in Ohio. Separated into a few distinct fronts, these areas are in serious danger of being sold and fracked for natural gas.
This may not seem like a big deal, however, once again this project is being laid out as a major job creator. The proximity alone to the Ohio River and other sources of drinking water is cause for alarm. If this is not enough for you, fracking has also been linked to earthquakes. Though they may not measure high on the richter scale, they are frequent and could be devastating.
Waste product from fracking is highly toxic. If any toxic compounds from these proposed site were to seap into the Ohio River watershed, it would be devastating to wildlife and surrounding populations.
Section Four: Conclusion
The selling or leasing of federally protected lands sets a dangerous precedent.
Are we really willing to destroy the few pristine places we have left for 19th century fuels?
More in depth articles to come on both the Nexus pipeline and the fracking of Wayne National Forest here at The Rust Belt Tribune.
(Article by Jaimes Campbell)