To The Editor:

As a New Scotland resident who lives several hundred feet from two existing natural gas pipelines where the effects of construction blasting have been felt, and now with a third (fourth in most locations) proposed pipeline, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Albany County Legislature for unanimously passing the "Drinking Water Protection Law" and now encourage County Executive Daniel McCoy to sign the bill into law.

Earlier this year at a New Scotland Town Board meeting, Doug LaGrange, deputy supervisor and member of the town board, discussed his family's personal experience about the negative impact that pipeline blasting had on the well for his new home.

Recognizing Doug's and others negative impacts on their water supply could repeat during construction of a new pipeline, County Legislator Mike Mackey, 38th District, introduced with co-sponsors Herb Riley, 33rd District , and others, a proposed county law to place the financial responsibility for negative impacts on residents’ wells and public water supplies directly on the pipeline company.

Thanks to the New Scotland Town Board's lead endorsement, and by the Hilltowns’ town boards where the pipeline will cross.

Thanks to Doug LaGrange, who is now running for New Scotland Town Supervisor, for raising this issue and thanks to county Legislator Mike Mackey for initialing the bill and his effective work leading to the unanimous vote, nearly unheard of in Albany County.

It is this type of proactive leadership by our town and county governments that is greatly needed and appreciated.

John F. Dearstyne Jr.

New Scotland