ENVIROBYTES, A SUMMARY OF ISSUES AND EVENTS FOR WEEKS ENDING OCTOBER 21,
2011 TO NOVEMBER 4, 2011
EPA IS EVALUATING HYDRAULIC FRACTURING’S POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON DRINKING
WATER
On Nov. 3, EPA announced a final research plan to scientifically evaluate
hydraulic fracturing, a technology used to extract natural gas. This plan
will help determine hydraulic fracturing’s impact on the nation’s drinking
water and to safeguard the environment and public health. The initial
research results and study findings will be released to the public in 2012, with
the final reporting ready in 2014.
_www.epa.gov/hydraulicfracturing_ (http://www.epa.gov/hydraulicfracturing)
See also: _www.frackcheckwv.net_ (http://www.frackcheckwv.net)
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NOTE: CLEAR is working with the Friends of the Cheat, with offices in
Kingwood, to continue to clean up the Cheat Watershed. In this regard, we are
particularly concerned that around 40 permits for Marcellus drilling and
fracking that have already been issued in the watershed. Also, there is
concern that a Marcellus drilling wastes disposal site may be permitted and
developed near the confluence of the Big Sandy and Little Sandy, not far from
Bruceton Mills in the Cheat watershed. Leach drainage and runoff from well
pads and from disposal sites would bring heavy metals and toxic organic
compounds into the Cheat River and into Cheat Lake. Chlorides and bromides
could also become a problem. We are concerned for the wildlife (fish and
other creatures) as well as the recreational quality of Cheat Lake. We
also want to protect the water quality in the Monongahela River and the Ohio
River.
Duane Nichols
Dear Friends,
The Cheat Lake Environment and Recreation Association (CLEAR) works
to promote recreational and environmental improvements on Cheat Lake.
This has been a year for the completion of several initiatives that
have been the works for many years. Under the capable direction of
Duane Nichols, and the dedication of hardworking and longstanding
members, CLEAR:
• developed a beautiful new beach at Mill Stone Point for swimming (at
your own risk)
• opened a first rate new hiking trail in Cheat Haven wild life
viewing area
• dedicated a CLEAR dock for public use near the Cheat Haven hiking
trailhead
• the South portion of the hiking/biking trail will be open for use
all year
• cleaned up debris from Millstone point and other areas
• monitored the water quality of Cheat Lake.
There is still work to be done:
• address the high rate of erosion and sedimentation in the Cheat Lake
area
• deal with the debris that continuously floats down Cheat Lake
• clear the lake large snags that are dangerous to boaters.
• enforce guidelines for new dock construction on Cheat Lake
• continue to monitor the water quality of Cheat Lake to make sure the
quality is sufficient for dedicated uses
• communicate the location and recreational opportunities at the Cheat
Lake Park and Trail.
Who else does this work? Help us continue our work on Cheat Lake.
Please support this effort by renewing your CLEAR membership.
Annual Dues:
$15 individual
$25 family
Make your checks out to CLEAR and send your annual membership dues to;
Donna Weems
Treasurer, CLEAR
320 Dream Catcher Circle
Morgantown, WV 26508
For more information, contact CLEAR at:
CLEAR1Lake(a)aol.com
Lake user information at:
www.cheatlaketoday.com