I am opposed to the Williams Companies pipeline through Oak Ridge because I love Oak Ridge and my community.
Williams generates millions of dollars in profits for shareholders every year. Over the last 5 years, Williams stock has increased in value 3 times more than the S&P 500.
They have achieved this financial performance in part by utilizing land free of charge to transport their product. Many citizens pay annual taxes on the ROW after the pipeline made the land worthless over the last 70 years.
Many Oak Ridge citizens are newcomers to the area and most are vaguely aware of the existing pipeline through town or even their own backyard. Some will see the long open ROW bound by trees, backyards, playgrounds, buildings, and such that stretch over many humps into the horizon.
After approval, there will be much digging, land scarring, tree cutting, dust generation, and destruction of our ROW landscape. We will all get to see the huge 42 inch pipe above ground before it is laid into the trench. We will then get a fourth yellow pipe protruding from the ground to designate the fourth pipeline.
Some citizens will try to imagine the result of a small leak in the big pipe or even a small accident on the ROW. Some will wonder if a massive methane gas explosion could happen in their backyard. Others will be happy to see the big pipe buried out of sight.
I fear these visions will deter citizens from feeling secure living here. I fear newcomers considering buying a new home in Oak Ridge will be deterred from living here. I fear new businesses will see Oak Ridge as a risky locale for investment. I fear that folks visiting churches, day cares, schools, and gathering places will feel safer elsewhere. I fear a leak or accident near the pipeline area.
If only a few of my fears materialize, Oak Ridge will be a less desirable place to live and work. Property and home values will be reduced, homes will become vacant, businesses will close, and the tax revenue will be reduced. Citizens will no longer be able to enjoy the beautiful parks, sport facilities, and walking paths. The Town and Facility services will be reduced. Growth and expansion could very well end here.
I only hope the best for Oak Ridge.
I want the Oak Ridge Town Council and the Guilford County Commissioners to pass resolutions against SSEP andstand up for us.
Ron Ray
