The Secret about IUOE LOCAL 132 is no secret at all;
I just found out about it.
For the first time since June 2, 2014 when I read
about Dominion’s proposed pipeline I felt a calmness.
For the first time in three months I felt a peace of mind.
As I was taking notes during our forty minute conversation
I watched the words form by my own hand and I was smiling.
I listened to Steve McDiffith the Pipeline Manager for the operators
of heavy equipment for IUOE Local 132 in Charleston, WV.
He answered my dozen questions. His responses focused on responsibility,
dedication and going above and beyond the standards for environmental issues.
“We have been geared up for a project like this. We have qualified workers all
over the state. In the last couple of years through different jobs we have created
special teams that all work very well together.”
I can see the headlines “Activist Changes Stance”, “Ragland Looses Mind”,
well, not at exactly. But I can say from my heart that if the pipeline route
is not changed as it violates dozens of Federal laws regarding being
a High Consequence Area and an Environmentally Sensitive Area because
of the watersheds, headwaters, critical habitats and endangered species -
at best , I know the project would be in very good hands.
Steve stressed that they not only follow protocol, they go above
and beyond requirements. He assured me that this is because
“we live here as well. The out of state workers leave when the
jobs done and go home. They don’t really care. We make a difference
because we do care. This is our home.”
because we do care. This is our home.”
Thank you IUOE LOCAL 132 for the good news.
Photos:
Steve McDiffith from Facebook
Lauren Ragland by Ed Wade Jr.
