Route 49 Gas Line

To the Editor:
Common Sense – If it is so common, why is it so had to find?
The current issue of the natural gas pipeline (main) along route 49 is a prime example of everyone’s lack of common sense. If this were a pipe to carry some dangerous pollutant then I say “no way!” But in today’s economy anyone who now heats with propane and cannot see the need for a less costly source of fuel is a fool!
Those already using natural gas in this area need the added volume as well but new service to currently not serviced areas will not happen without this additional source. If the authorities require that the gas company install extra isolation valves at no less then one mile locations; then if a leak did occur, it could be cut off from both the supply side and the down stream side almost immediately. There would only be a very minor chance that any fire would spread to the nearby forest.
How many explosions, leaks or fires in gas mains not located in areas where other underground work was performed have occurred? Sure if we were talking about cutting into the protected lands then no way, but the everyday pollution from the vehicles already traveling this route is way more pollutant then a sealed gas main could ever be and since the gas will most likely burn if a leak does occur there will be no long term damage from such an incident! The right of way for the highway is already in place and using that already approved right of way for a buried gas line will in not add to the negative impact on the environment any more then the existing roadway! So folks, tell me your real reasons for being against the pipe.
I need natural gas now!