CLEAR

clear@lists.cheatlakeclear.org

661 discussions

Wildlife Viewing Area(s)
by Duane330＠aol.com 12 Oct '09

12 Oct '09

Subject: <clear> Questions from CLEAR to Allegheny Energy To and From: Andy Datsko, AE, Lake Lynn Dam & Cheat Lake [[See also: _www.cheatlaketoday.com_ (http://www.cheatlaketoday.com) ]] Please quickly tell me the status of things at the Cheat Lake Park and Trail... 1. When will you remove the day use boat docks? In the next 2 weeks. Our boat has been having some maintenance problems. 2. When will you close the South Trail? When will it open in the Spring? The trail will remain open weather permitting for the winter. If there are safety issues we will close it until the issue fixed. 3. Are both Trails currently open all the way to the end? Yes 4. What is the status of the three restroom facilities at (a) the Guard House, (b) the upper parking and day use "camping" area, and (c) adjacent to the fish cleaning station? The picnic area and fish cleaning rest rooms have been closed for the season. The one at the Admin building will remain open until mid November. At that time it will be closed and a porta john will be brought in. Unfortunately when the water system for the park was designed it was not designed for winter time operation. 5. Has a trail been marked thru the Cheat Haven Wildlife Viewing Area? No. We are waiting for FERC approval. 6. Is there access to the Lake at the end of the South Trail? No. This will be done in the spring. Do you know a contractor who can do this work? 7. Are there plans to install a boat dock at the end of the South Trail? Will be done when #6 is done. 8. Are there any "facilities" at the end of the South Trail, i.e. a bike rack, or camp table, or emergency phone? A bench is there. We will put in a bike rack in the spring as part of 6&7. 9. Tell me the Security Guard schedule, for example two shifts 7 to 3 and 3 to 11...?? We have coverage during daylight hours 112 hours per week. As we progress into the fall with decreasing hours of daylight we will move back to an 80 hour per week schedule. 10. What is the phone number for the Guards. 304-594-2817 11. Have there been any incidents in addition to the two boating accidents this summer? Boating accidents are not reported to us unless we are the reporting party. Thank you very much for relevant information at this time. Best regards................ Duane Nichols, CLEAR >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.. NOTE TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Please let me know if you have questions or comments about the above information. Specifically let me know whether you support the establishment of a walking (hiking) trail within the Cheat Haven Wildlife Viewing Area, approximately 100 acres located at the far south end of the south trail (with limited public access). This area is adjacent to the old "slate dump" located in the big turn in the lake that is opposite Warm Hollow. CLEAR is considering a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding the Wildlife Viewing Area(s). I understand that a few historical signs are being prepared for installation within the Cheat Haven Wildlife Viewing Area. In earlier years, this area was involved in surface mining and other possible activities including a railroad and a cable car system that crossed the lake. [There is another undeveloped Viewing Area near the end of Stewartstown Road, a few miles past the Forks of Cheat Winery, within a few hundred feet of the Lake Lynn Dam. A small parking area could be developed there along with a path going down close(r) to the Lake, perhaps with a bench and informative sign.]

1 0

Update on Dunkard Creek
by duane330＠aol.com 11 Oct '09

11 Oct '09

EPA: Dunkard Creek algae first documented case in Mid-Atlantic states Ben Adducchio The fish kill affected more than 160 species of fish, salamanders and mussels in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. By Ben Adducchio, WV Public Broadcasting Download MP3 October 9, 2009 · The EPA made this announcement at a water quality forum Friday in Morgantown where state and federal officials discussed data and answered questions about the fish kill. The Environmental Protection Agency says the golden algae bloom, believed to be responsible for the Dunkard Creek fish kill, is the first documented case in the Mid-Atlantic states. More than 50 people crowded into a small room at the Morgantown Airport, many curious to hear if officials have any new information about what caused a massive fish kill on Dunkard Creek, a stream in western Monongalia County. The discussion focused on the creek’s high amount of total dissolved solids following the kill, water levels, and the golden algae bloom that the West Virginia DEP suspects contributed to the kill. But the DEP is still trying to determine what caused the algae bloom. Scott Mandirola is the acting director of the division of water and waste management for the West Virginia DEP. “I think the important fact is that it’s here,” he said, “we need to figure out, as fast as we can,20how to deal with it, how to control it, and how to exist with it in some of our water bodies.” The algae is known to kill aquatic life with gills in streams, and turtles over a longer period of time. One dead turtle was found at Dunkard. State Delegate Barbara Evans Fleischauer (D-Monongalia) says this has been a horrible crisis. “It’s just horrifying to see these pictures look at these numbers of how many fish have been killed. It’s really sad and it could have been prevented,” she said. Local residents want to know when the stream can be remediated, and how future fish kills can be prevented. Fleischauer thinks she can help with the prevention aspect. She plans to reintroduce legislation that would create state regulations on water withdrawals and standardize the amount of total dissolved solids in streams in the Monongahela River basin. “I think we need to get up to speed immediately, because there are going to be more streams in our state that are going to be devoid of fish,” she said. Some have argued West Virginia can come up to speed by changing the DEP’s compliance schedule with Consol Energy, which operates mines in the area. Currently, Consol has until 2013 to meet Clean Water Act standards for their acid mine discharges. Scott Mandirola with the DEP had no specifics on whether the compliance order will be amended. “We are going to continue with this compliance schedule, how it morphs one way or another, I couldn’t tell you,” he said. “If we determine that that is something that needs to be changed, we will change it accordingly to protect these streams from this algae.” The DEP is monitoring several other streams in the state with elevated TDS levels—Paw Paw Creek, Buffalo Creek, and Elk Creek, among others.

1 0

Mon River conductivity -- August thru September 2009
by Duane330＠aol.com 30 Sep '09

30 Sep '09

1 0

Monongahela River -- August thru September 2009
by Duane330＠aol.com 30 Sep '09

30 Sep '09

1 0

The Age of Stupid... movie in Morgantown
by Duane330＠aol.com 18 Sep '09

18 Sep '09

On Monday, September 21, in the Morgantown area a special opportunity exists to watch the one-night-only premiere of an important new film called The Age of Stupid. The film is a powerful "docudrama" set in the year 2055, after global warming has done massive damage to humanity. Oscar-nominated actor Pete Postlethwaite stars as a historian who "looks back" on real footage from 2008 to try to answer the question, "why didn't we stop climate change while we had the chance?" In addition to the movie, the theater will simulcast a Hollywood-style premiere event from New York City. You can purchase advance tickets by clicking here: _http://www.moveon.org/r?r=56749_ (http://www.moveon.org/r?r=56749) You'll get so much more than just a great movie. The premiere event, simulcast live from a solar-powered tent in New York City to over 700 theaters in the U.S. and 50 other countries, will feature such celebrities as Gillian Anderson, Heather Graham, and Moby. Also, MTV's Gideon Yago will interview Nobel Peace Prize recipient Kofi Annan, environmental scientist James Hansen, and The Age of Stupid director Franny Armstrong. Ending the night will be a special, acoustic performance by Radiohead's Thom Yorke. The Age of Stupid was number one at the box office in the U.K. this spring, and this one-night event is poised to break the Guinness World Record for biggest simultaneous film screening. You can watch the trailer here: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0xtPKjmnaA) _http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51921&id=17229-1764041-LC7ppKx&t=1_ (http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51921&id=17229-1764041-LC7ppKx&t=1) Check out what critics are saying about this film: * "A captivating and constantly surprising film."—George Monbiot, The Guardian1 * "Think An Inconvenient Truth but with a personality."—Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times2 * "Political incompetence and inaction can usher in disaster... Rome is burning, and Franny Armstrong is fiddling the right tune."—Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian3 The Age of Stupid looks us right in the eye and asks what kind of future we want for our kids. Be one of the first to see this important film and help spread the word so that as many Americans as possible hear its message. We hope to see you at the theater. Thank you for all you do. –Anna, Laura, Steven, Ilyse, and the rest of the team at _www.moveon.org_ (http://www.moveon.org) P.S. When you see this movie, you're really going to be inspired to act. The cool thing is that our friends at Avaaz, an international MoveOn-like organization, are putting together a "Global Wake-Up Call" day of action on September 21, the same day as the premiere of The Age of Stupid. Check out _http://www.avaaz.org/tcktcktck/_ (http://www.avaaz.org/tcktcktck/) to get plugged in locally. Sources: 1. "What are we not talking about now that we will be—or should be—in 2009?," The Guardian, December 27, 2008 _http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51923&id=17229-1764041-LC7ppKx&t=2_ (http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51923&id=17229-1764041-LC7ppKx&t=2) 2. "The Age of Stupid," Los Angeles Times, July 17, 2009 _http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51922&id=17229-1764041-LC7ppKx&t=3_ (http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51922&id=17229-1764041-LC7ppKx&t=3) 3. "The Age of Stupid," The Guardian, March 20, 2009 _http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51926&id=17229-1764041-LC7ppKx&t=4_ (http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51926&id=17229-1764041-LC7ppKx&t=4) For more information go to: _http://www.ageofstupid.net/_ (http://www.ageofstupid.net/)

1 0

Upcoming Events Statewide: WVEC etc.....
by Duane330＠aol.com 18 Sep '09

18 Sep '09

Upcoming Events! September 25 – 27: 20th WVEC Fall Conference Holly Gray Park, Sutton WV 20th Anniversary of WVEC Celebration & Program, setting 2010 legislative priorities, workshops on enviro issues, silent auction, live music, booths, nature outings & recreation Key-note address- by Jim Hightower, nationally known progressive commentator and co-editor of America's hottest newsletter, the Hightower Lowdown. There will be a Friday evening reception for Jim and he will give Saturday morning keynote address. Please visit _www.wvecouncil.org_ (http://www.wvecouncil.org/) , for complete agenda and updates! September 26 – ACLU Civil Rights Dinner Enjoy yourself with friends and like minded people at the Clay Center in Charleston. Jim Hightower, a funny, irreverent, intelligent populist, is the speaker. He is a New York Times bestselling author and America's funniest activist who gives the lowdown on how to put up-not shut up-in the fight for our future. Get a taste of Jim and a review of his new book Swim Against the Current; Even a Dead Fish Can Go with the Flow. For tickets or more information, please call the WV-ACLU at 304-345-9246. October 2 and 3 – Trail Design Workshop Coonskin Park, Charleston, WV Free but please register by September 20—class is limited to 30 participants Each session combines interactive learning, hands-on trail work, and topnotch instructors to develop skilled trail workers and crew leaders. The workshop will focus on the art and science of trail building through topics such as: Sustainable trail design, Basic construction and much more. For registration information, contact Betty Michael at _betty.michael(a)canaanvi.org_ (mailto:betty.michael@canaanvi.org) or 800-922-3601 ext. 252, or visit _www.canaanvi.org/events_ (http://www.canaanvi.org/events) October 18: Good Jobs, Green Jobs Workshop 1:00-4:00 PM, Big Sandy Arena, Huntington, WV. Sponsored by the WV Center on Budget and Policy. What are “green jobs,” and how can they help shape a vibrant future for West Virginia? Join us for a stimulating afternoon of ideas and discussion about green strategies for economic growth and jobs that support families. For more information, visit _www.wvpolicy.org_ (http://www.wvpolicy.org/) or call 304-720-8682. October 20: An Evening with Gloria Steinem WV Cultural Center, 7:00 PM. Produced by WV FREE. Tickets are $25 and available by calling 304-342-9188 or visit _www.wvfree.org_ (http://www.wvfree.org/) .

1 0

Observer-Reporter -9-16-09
by Duane330＠aol.com 16 Sep '09

16 Sep '09

Observer-Reporter, September 16, 2009 Agencies investigate large fish kill By Bob Niedbala, Staff writer, _niedbala(a)observer-reporter.com_ (mailto:niedbala@observer-reporter.com) State and federal environmental agencies continue to investigate a large fish kill on Dunkard Creek and may be coming closer to determining its cause. The kill was first reported Sept. 1 near Pentress, W.Va. It has since moved downstream past Mt. Morris and, according to some sources, stretches as far as Pigeon Hole Road in Dunkard Township. The kill was believed to have subsided last week, but additional fresh fish kills were discovered during the past weekend, said Helen Humphreys, spokeswoman for the state Department of Environmental Protection. "Either this is ongoing or it's a second slug of pollutants moving downstream," she said. The incident has killed hundreds of fish including bass, muskies, white suckers, catfish and red horse fish, as well as other forms of aquatic life such as mussels and mud puppies, she said. Humphreys said at one site near Brave more than 300 dead fish were found representing 18 species. Pennsylvania and West Virginia environmental protection agencies as well as the federal Environmental Protection Agency continue to investigate the kill. "Right now," Humphreys said, "I don't think anybody has conclusively identified the source." One of the possible pollutants the agencies are now considering is total dissolved solids, Humphreys said. Very high levels of total dissolved solids have been found in the water, particularly in the West Virginia portion of the stream. The solids included high levels of chlorides, which is indicator of mine discharges, Humphreys said. Investigators are looking at discharges from three active mining operations in the watershed, she said. A preliminary report prepared by the EPA indicated a likely source may be Consol Energy's Blacksvlle No. 2 Mine because of high levels of chloride in its waste water. EPA spokesman David Sternberg said, however, investigators have not determined that the mine is the source of the pollution. "We suspect Blacksville No. 2 may have been a source but we can't rule out other sources right now," he said. Consol Energy spokesman Joe Cerenzia said the company is aware of the fish kill and is working with state and federal agencies investigating it, but to the company's knowledge, the agencies have not conclusively pinpointed the cause. Kathy Cosco, spokeswoman for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, said her agency has had people out at the creek everyday and continues to collect information from water samples and monitoring stations. The agency still needs a little more data before it attempts to draw any conclusions about the cause and the source, she said. "We're not ready to point any fingers yet," she said. Tom Burrie, 31, of Carmichaels, who has fished in the creek since his youth, said he checked the stream Tuesday and estimated thousands of fish have died. Burrie said he could see fish attempting to swim into tributaries to the creek trying to get to fresh water. Some of the dead muskies he saw, Burrie said, were more than 42 inches long. "Everything in the water is dead, clams, mud puppies everything," he said. "It will take years for that creek to recover." >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

1 0

Sheepskin Rail-Trail
by Duane330＠aol.com 12 Sep '09

12 Sep '09

Learning from the Field: _Sheepskin Rail-Trail_ (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102407745953&s=638&e=001Up6tic55Cm5N4kxPbdIfqGuM_… rTrrao0RPiPXPZUH2J__VXg-FD8XjTYWSrUZ-FwVivOgYETG_ql45osQ2XQMmwG5Gc4peFWiX5__ 7PXZGwYdVYsXbp2aUxfqV7Yf_gTw==) , Pennsylvania Developing a rail-trail can take patience. In 1994, a group of citizens in Fayette County, Pennsylvania formed an advocacy group to support the creation of a rail-trail along a 33-mile corridor. Over the years, the _National Park Service_ (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102407745953&s=638&e=001Up6tic55Cm5z5fuWTJRaJY7jY… yW2X4-WSjnlVS7s1m5hH01utb7g7UTn16C1CDBVTf182Jsq-m3ok7oE=) has helped their organization grow, guided the Feasibility Study, and planted the seeds of a community volunteer program to serve the trail once it is operating. The first two miles of trail opened just over a year ago, after the County's Office of Planning and Development led the complex negotiations and project planning. Now, the trail links people in Dunbar to the Great Allegheny Passage and the _C&O Canal National Historic Park_ (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102407745953&s=638&e=001Up6tic55Cm7xUveghJQl67tst… O3LQ3xwKAQxvvCl9Fj7Zc9sgJlL5Pr8QZHmGzmITX2ml1Lo6_s37kMw4F3xJ13hUYZ_O8D_xRq15 G) . The project also includes a trailhead, parking, and restrooms at Dunbar's community park. When complete, the trail will link the 50-mile _Monongahela River Rail-Trail_ (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102407745953&s=638&e=001Up6tic55Cm6bXWPizRDy6ssTU… 7B1L8UJEmMvXCW6BOTpoUZuMx6ZAFDnaTlAMUmvP_vQ==) system in West Virginia with the 333-mile system of rail-trails connecting Pittsburgh to Washington, DC. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> See photos at the Source: Source: _http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=0014FVfS3OZ1Vlma0emlJiwlxh8VA… mAg8DCl5TRF8QFkpkma7WfGbR5IJvZFQr_ (http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=0014FVfS3OZ1Vlma0emlJiwlxh8VAE… vVm_9bUQNoZFH5DSgC0hXtgxlytmAg8DCl5TRF8QFkpkma7WfGbR5IJvZFQr)

1 0

EPA Questions Mountaintop Removal Permits
by Duane330＠aol.com 11 Sep '09

11 Sep '09

EPA questions mountaintop removal permits Permits for new mountaintop removal mines (such as the one pictured above in southern West Virginia) could be in jeopardy. _Joe Lovett explains new EPA announcement_ (http://www.wvpbmedia.com/news/2009/joelovett.mp3) By Erica Peterson, Jessica Lilly and Scott Finn _Download MP3 _ (http://www.wvpbmedia.com/news/2009/0914epapermits.mp3) September 11, 2009 · The Obama Administration said Friday it has serious concerns with dozens of pending permits for mountaintop removal mines in Appalachia. The federal Environmental Protection Agency released a list of 79 permits which it says poses environmental problems and won’t comply with the Clean Water Act. The 79 permits on _the list_ (http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/guidance/mining-screening.html) are scattered throughout Appalachia, and 23 are in West Virginia. The announcement is part of an EPA campaign to subject mountaintop removal permits to greater scrutiny. These tentative steps towards cracking down on surface mines have made environmentalists cautiously optimistic, and the coal industry increasingly nervous. One of the EPA’s primary concerns is valley fills, where waste rock is dumped from mountaintop removal mines. That’s because selenium and other heavy metals have been found at high levels running off the mines. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issues the permits which allow coal companies to fill streams and valleys. After fighting mountaintop removal for more than a decade, Joe Lovett of the _Appalachian Center for the Economy and Environment_ (http://www.appalachian-center.org/) says Friday’s announcement signifies a real shift. “We hope this is the beginning of the end of mountaintop removal and valley fills,” he said. “I don’t think modifications will work. I think the permits are so destructive that even with modifications they won’t comply with the Clean Water Act.” But for an already-beleaguered coal industry worried about climate change legislation, this is further proof that the Obama Administration will take steps to curtail mountaintop removal. Roger Horton, a surface miner and founder of _Citizens for Coal_ (http://www.wvpubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=10862) , says curtailing mountaintop removal in America will force the U.S. to import coal from other countries. “They’re going to look elsewhere. Coal is going to be a big part of the energy mix in this country for some time to come,” Horton said. “And if they don’t mine it locally, they’re sure as heck going to import it from some other source, perhaps an unfriendly source to our country,” he said. Next, the EPA will meet with the Army Corps to discuss each permit. Lovett says they will look at possible water quality problems, whether the mitigation is actually making up for the impacts of the mining, and the cumulative impacts this mining is having on watersheds. Some of the EPA’s concerns may be resolved by discussions with the Army Corps of Engineers, which has the final say over permits. Some permits might require changes in order to be approved, and others may not be approved at all. Coal industry officials say the new review process isn’t transparent, and it’s hard for mining companies to submit permits when they aren’t sure by what criteria they’ll be judged. Bill Raney is the president of the _West Virginia Coal Association_ (http://www.wvcoal.com/) . He’s calling for compromise. “Let’s sit down and work out whatever those concerns are. The answer is not to stop it, so that you punish people in that process,” Raney said. “And if there are concerns, let’s address them in a very timely way, and let’s address them in a way that allows the companies and people to continue to work to meet the market demands of today,” he said. This is the third announcement about stricter mountaintop removal regulations since Obama’s taken office, and comes after a decade of court decisions regarding mountaintop removal. So far, little has changed. But Lovett says it may be different this time. “One thing that encourages me is, not only does the EPA have new leadership, but the _Corps does as well_ (http://www.nan.usace.army.mil/blog/pdf/NR_CoC09.pdf) ,” Lovett said. “So I expect that the Corps will be looking at these permits differntly in the future from the way they looked at them in the past,” he said. Horton says that coal supporters plan to be vocal in their opposition to the EPA’s policies. “Without giving away my tactics at this point in time, there are going to be direct actions, that are lawful, to let the administration know we aren’t going to be taking this lying down,” Horton said. Friday’s announcement regards permits which had not yet been approved by the Corps. But it comes after news that the EPA is also opposing a 2,300 acre mountaintop removal permit in Logan County the Corps already approved. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Thanks goes out to John Gever for providing the web site to the above article: EPA Questions Mountaintop Removal Permits _http://www.wvpubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=11237_ (http://www.wvpubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=11237) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> John Gever, MedPage Today, tel. 1-304-243-0826 cell 1-304-780-9772, Skype 1-412-567-2949 (pre-arranged interviews only) _j.gever(a)medpagetoday.com_ (mailto:j.gever@medpagetoday.com) or _jgever(a)gmail.com_ (mailto:jgever@gmail.com) _http://www.medpagetoday.com_ (http://www.medpagetoday.com/)

1 0

EPA Clean Water program
by duane330＠aol.com 24 Aug '09

24 Aug '09

EPA SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON CLEAN WATER ENFORCEMENT ACTION PLAN THROUGH ONLINE FORUM EPA is inviting the public to participate in its online forum through its new Web site with ideas about the future direction EPA should take to more effectively enforce Clean Water requirements and achieve better compliance.? EPA wants to know what direction its national water enforcement program should take to improve water quality protection in the nation and enforce outstanding violations.? The Clean Water Enforcement Action Plan discussion forum which will close on Friday, Aug. 28 will accept this input, and evaluate and consider recommendations to the EPA Administrator about what the public feels the future direction of EPA's water enforcement program should take. We are providing information to assist the public discussions: Clean Water Enforcement Action Plan, state-by-state reports: Assessing the effectiveness of the program, EPA and state enforcement data, and the administrator's memorandum: The Memorandum.

1 0

← Newer
1
...
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
...
67
Older →

Jump to page:

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

CLEAR