Survey Says… Pascagoula River! Ding Ding Ding!

July 27, 2011 | Most Endangered Rivers, Protecting Rivers

This is a test of the Most Endangered Rivers Recall System.  This is only a test.  Please do not adjust your blog.

Who remembers what year the Pascagoula River was listed as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers™?  Anyone?  Yes, you in the purple jumpsuit.  Purple jumpsuit says:  2009!  Correct!  Never underestimate a purple jumpsuit.  Lesson learned.

Next question.  Where is the Pascagoula River located?  Again, purple jumpsuit?  Purple jumpsuit says:  Mississippi.  Correct!  Wow… big fan.

Next question.  What project was threatening the Pascagoula River at that time?  Jumpsuit?  No?  Okay then, we will have to dust off our trusty report.  Report says:  New petroleum storage.  What does that mean?  Apparently, the U.S. Department of Energy wanted to withdraw water from the Pascagoula River to hollow out natural salt domes for future storage of 160 million barrels of oil. 

Next question.  What has happened since 2009 on this issue?  For this, we turn to our great partner, Raleigh Hoke, with the Gulf Restoration Network.  Raleigh says:  The President's FY 2012 Budget request again zeroes out any funding for the Richton expansion of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and the FY 2012 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill that the House recently passed features even deeper cuts to the overall Strategic Petroleum Reserve budget.

So, it sounds like this project is on the back burner for a while.  However, we will keep an eye out because you never know when this ugly project may rear its head down the road. 

Made up blog game shows not your thing?  Then check out this great video on the Pascagoula provided by Blue Magnolia Films.  You will get to see the “singing river” first hand… or at least first computer screen...  Enjoy!

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