WV/PA MONONGAHELA AREA WATERSHEDS COMPACT
Governor Earl Ray
Tomblin
December
14,
2010
State of West
Virginia
1900 Kanawha Boulevard,
East
Charleston,
WV26323
RE: Crisis Legislation to Protect our Infrastructure, Water and Air.
We seek a meeting with you as soon as one can be arranged, to explain
the attached resolutions and answer questions about them. We need your
help with these important issues at
this time of crisis. Our Legislative Committee is already working on
these topics.
A crisis exists in West Virginia. The Monongahela River and many
other rivers and streams are increasingly high in total dissolved
solids (TDS). Legacy mine operations and existing
operations are primary contributors along with all the other activities
of a modern society. Yet, drinking water is
essential to life, residential water supplies are necessary to sustain
our lifestyle, and relatively clean streams are
necessary to sustain the web-of-life involving the diverse plants and
animals of our environment.
A crisis exists in West Virginia. Marcellus shale fracking
operations require a few million gallons of water per well; and, any of
this water that returns to the streams brings high TDS
levels. Potentials for contamination by toxic chemicals is a
significant problem.
A crisis exists in WV. State and federal agencies have been
overwhelmed with the 12,900 new wells in the last five years and
unable to reasonably inspect them or protect the water
and air throughout our State. Now action on the part of the Legislature
and State agencies is essential. Your
leadership in this effort would make all the difference.
Our Compact was formed in August of this year to bring attention to and
promote education and information on the water (and air) issues in our
region. This WV/PA Monongahela Area Watersheds Compact has had four
major meetings with over 28 watershed and conservation groups
participating; and, we have adopted some 16 resolutions for your
consideration and use. A summary of our Resolutions is
attached. The full record of these Resolutions is available at
www.uppermon.org
The WV DEP has prepared draft legislation and the Judicial Committee of
the WV Legislature has prepared a draft bill to address some of the
issues involved. We know that our State can have continued energy
development while the State’s infrastructure and the air we breathe and
the water we drink are protected. Our roads must be protected,
our school children must be able to travel safely, our homes need to be
free of hazardous or explosive pollutants, and our water must have TDS
levels below the nuisance threshold of 250 ppm.
Duane G.
Nichols
Barry
G. Pallay
Duane G. Nichols, President of
CLEAR Barry
G. Pallay, V.P. of UMRA
Co-Chair, Monongahela Area
Compact
Co-Chair,
Monongahela Area Compact
330 Dream Catcher
Circle
109
Broad Street, P. O. Box 519
Morgantown, WV
26508
Granville,
WV 26534-0519