So many people were unaware that they lived next to the major petroleum pipeline that runs near Bellingham, near schools and homes and through Whatcom Falls Park, that even those of us who don't live near that pipeline started taking a closer look at our surroundings. Many people who own homes near the pipeline had no idea that they had purchased property next to such a large potential hazard. The only people who legally must be notified are those who own property that the line runs through. But just because a pipeline doesn't run through your property, doesn't mean an accident couldn't affect your nearby home.
Buyers have a right to know such information.
The state should look at beefing up disclosure requirements so that people know exactly what they are getting. True, astute buyers can look at maps found in city and county offices, but many people aren't familiar with the channels they need to go through to access that public information. Rules should be established at the state level that would require giving notice to property owners within a sphere of influence of the pipeline should disaster strike. Certainly, the engineers and others who design these pipelines know approximately how far an impact could reach if disaster strikes. Of course, nobody can predict the magnitude of a potential disaster with precise accuracy, but some basic guidelines could be established.