“The plain language of Nationwide Permit 12 does not allow for the construction of pipelines near drinking water intakes,” said the letter. In addition, the letter urged the Corps to determine that the project is contrary to the public interest because it would unjustly burden vulnerable communities like Boxtown, which already is heavily built up with industrial facilities like a Valero Energy oil refinery and a retired coal plant plagued with extensive coal ash contamination.
“We’re alarmed that, so far, no local, state or federal agency is looking out for the groundwater that serves as Memphis’s drinking water,” said Senior Attorney George Nolan. “If this oil pipeline leaks or spills, as many have done before, it could have devastating effects on the residents that live in southwest Memphis and their drinking water source.”