How scenic -- and how safe -- is a

      Scenic Byway with frack trucks?

WE THE UNDERSIGNED urge that frack trucks be banned on the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, not merely for safety of the Byway but for safety of the River given the threat of tanker truck rollovers spilling thousands of gallons of toxic chemicals and flowback waste water into the Delaware River, drinking water source for 15 million people. 

Additionally, diesel exhaust fumes containing carcinogenic benzene will accumulate over time in the Delaware River valley and be absorbed into the river water itself. 

• The Scenic Byway commission (http://www.upperdelawarescenicbyway.org/) is a kind of orphan among agencies without its own authority to act on this problem, yet this orphan Byway is about to become the conduit for grave danger for the Delaware River when frack trucks are allowed to swarm all over it. If shale gas drilling-related "frack trucks" use the Scenic Byway as a truck route, the recreational spirit of thousands of vacationers who visit this region year-round will be ruined. We can say goodbye to enjoyment of rafting, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, swimming, camping, hunting, dining, lodging, watching bald eagles and 260 other species of birds. Travelers will stay away. Not only the Delaware River and the Byway but the regional economy and human health will be harmed. 

•  We're calling for a BAN on frack trucks on the Scenic Byway as a safety precaution to protect both the Byway and the River. And human beings enjoying both. 

• Since the Scenic Byway on its own has little political clout, this petition calls for higher agencies to look upon the Scenic Byway and the Delaware River as UNITED ENTITIES whose safety is  interdependent, with the danger of truck accidents and air pollution on the Byway directly translatable to the River. We ask that higher agencies work jointly and pro-actively to search out the mechanisms of authority to prohibit large diesel tankers (by weight, size and hazardous/toxic contents, for example) as a reasonable safety precaution for both the Byway and the River. 

• This petition paints the picture and gives agencies a compelling rational argument to cooperate and find a solution that keeps heavy tankers off the Byway. We call upon the UDSB in Narrowsburg NY to use these tools to insist on a ban and perhaps by example other Byways will be protected as well. If we can, we will speak up at the next UDSB meeting July 25 at 7pm using the petition above as talking points. Meetings are every fourth Monday of the month, 7pm, at 211 Bridge St, Narrowsburg NY 12764. For info call Laurie Ramie (845) 252-3022. All are welcome. 

• Pass this petition to friends and family far and wide. This is important! By banning frack trucks on the Scenic Byway we are preserving the clean water and clear air along the Delaware River while also preserving a magnificent roadway associated with recreation and tourism vital to our regional economy. 

•  Thank you for helping to save two national treasures, a Byway and a River.

• Watch a 4 min. video on Public Comment website (www. pubcomm.blogspot.com). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw9GX0OpVXY 

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