The Pilgrim Pipeline is a terrible idea. It would bring no fiscal benefit to towns it would cross, no benefit to an American population that needs to reduce, not enable, dependence on fossil fuels. It would not replace "bomb trains" or the barges that now carry crude oil from Albany to Edison, NJ. It would just encourage lifting more oil, faster.

Oil pipelines leak more per unit moved/year than trains or barges, as the cargo is not compartmentalized and leaks may go long undetected. For example, in Michigan in 2010 a pipeline carrying diluted bitumen from tar sands spewed at least 2,800 tonnes (about a million gallons) into the Kalamazoo River. An alarm had rung in Edmonton 17 hours before the spill was found, but was disregarded. Cleanup is not over. In September 2013 near Tioga ND, a pipe of Bakken crude leaked at least 2,800 tonnes into a wheat field over days before discovery.

It's rare to see a proposal with no benefits to the public; this is one. Any number divided by zero = infinity, which expresses the risk:benefit ratio of this project. Readers who agree should petition the Saugerties Town Board to pass a resolution against having the pipeline go through our town. Many communities in NY and NJ have done this already. At the Town Board meeting on January 21 at 7 p.m. there will be a chance to speak in favor of such a resolution.

For further information go to stoppilgrimpipeline.com.

A postscript for people who own land near the Thruway on either side:

Pilgrim Pipeline promoters picture it closely tracking the New York State Thruway for most of its run. To use Thruway land for a pipeline requires permission from NYSDOT and NYSTA, not necessarily forthcoming. Even if all the authorities signed off, the line would still have to cross private land in many places. There is no case here for eminent domain taking. Contractors trying to scout a route have been telling landowners near the Thruway that the company "must survey" private lands that could be on the route. They pretend that getting permission to enter is a formality, not a legal requirement. This is deceptive and can be intimidating. They must by law have permission. Without it, they are trespassers.

There is no legal obligation to accommodate these pipeline surveyors. Anyone who gets a request from them should refuse it in writing to the company and send a copy to the town offices. If you granted permission earlier and now regret that, it can be rescinded. Write (return receipt requested) to Pilgrim Pipeline POB 10874 Newburgh NY 12552 to refuse or rescind.