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Paul Gallay, president of Riverkeeper, will offer an introduction to the new “virtual pipeline” bringing crude oil down and along the Hudson River. Gallay will discuss the ways in which crude oil transport creates huge new risks to water, land, homes and people in the Hudson Valley.
The presentation, which will include a brief film, will take place at Antipodean Books, Maps & Prints, 29 Garrison’s Landing, Garrison, from 7-9 p.m.
Just over two years ago, an oil train transporting crude from North Dakota derailed and exploded in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, killing 47 people. While this is the most well-known disaster resulting from the transport of highly volatile Bakken crude, 10 other crude oil trains have exploded in North America since the beginning of 2013. Shipments of crude oil in the U.S. have increased by more than 4,000 percent in the past six years, from about 9,500 in 2008 to more than 400,000 in 2014.
Residents of Philipstown can now watch trains carrying highly volatile crude oil traveling along the west side of the Hudson River about twice a day, on average, while barge/tanker traffic carrying crude oil occurs about once per day. The trains, often carrying more than 100 cars, pass through densely populated areas, including several grade crossings, and run directly under U.S. Military Academy buildings at West Point.
Dangers from crude oil transport not only include derailments, but also explosions, spills and long-term environmental degradation. In addition, the proposed Pilgrim Pipeline between Albany and Linden, N.J., presents further potential risks to those living in the Hudson Valley.
Gallay’s presentation will include a discussion of opportunities for local citizen action. This event is free and open to all.
For more information Linda Tafapolsky at crudeoilrisks@gmail.com or 914-523-1825.
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