The aquifer must be protected. For most of the past century, the aquifer was taken for granted. Even today, many who feel appalled about this fueling station do more actual harm to the aquifer than the fueling station is likely to do. Thousands flush their toilets into septic tanks that drain into the aquifer. Thousands support chemical-handling businesses with safety systems less elaborate than those the railroad proposes.
Thousands pour chemicals on their lawns.
The railroad's proposal gives us a chance to evaluate our standard of care. We need a good standard of care in our aquifer protection rules. We also need a good standard of care in our debates. Our political discussions ought to be fair, rational, based on accurate, firsthand information. Last week, the board of the Spokane Regional Health District decided to gather its own information before taking a position on the fueling station.