Mount Vernon Optic-Herald

The Franklin County Water District is being asking to “take the lead” in getting additional protection from potential contamination to Lake Cypress Springs. The City Council of Mount Vernon instructed its staff to write a letter to the district voicing concerns with the laying of the TransCanada pipeline project across the Cypress Basin in Franklin County. “This pipeline is being put through Franklin County at the head waters of Cypress Creek,” City resident John Tutor pointed out. “It has the potential of contaminating our only water supply.” Councilman B. F. Hicks noted that the thinned wall proposed for the pipe, .4 inches, at 1,340 pounds of pressure per square inch, is a potential for contamination. “Even the one and one-half inch pipe they were required to put in through Canada has already ruptured,” said Mr. Hicks. “And the company adds benzene to keep the oil flowing.”
Walt Sears, Jr., manager of the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District (NETMWD) and an attorney, commented recently that “It’s not a matter of if, but when and how bad will be the pipeline leak.” However, the only action expected from the NETMWD would be in connection with dealing with any resulting damages and clean up. See the Nov. 18 edition of the Mount Vernon Optic-Herald for more details. If you would like to share your opinion of the TransCanada pipeline project crossing the Cypress Basin in Franklin County, please leave a comment.