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Mon Wharf remains closed as cold prevents flood cleanup | TribLIVE.com
by Duane Nichols via CLEAR 20 Dec '19

20 Dec '19

https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/mon-wharf-remains-closed-as… Mon Wharf remains closed as cold prevents flood cleanup Article by Brian C. Rittmeyer, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, December 20, 2019 Pittsburgh commuters who use the Mon Wharf will have to find another place to park Friday. The wharf will remain closed Friday, the Pittsburgh parking authority announced. The wharf flooded after heavy rain that fell over the Monongahela and Cheat river basins earlier this week. “Although the river has receded from its crest of 19.8 feet, the flooding has left debris and mud behind, particularly in the drive lanes and middle/lower parking areas,” the authority said in an announcement. Cleanup has been prevented because much of the mud and silt has frozen, the authority said. Cleanup efforts will start Friday afternoon and continue into the weekend, when temperatures are forecast to rise above freezing. The authority said it will try to open part of the wharf for use Monday. In the meantime, additional parking is available at the First Avenue garage and Second Avenue plaza.

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Ecotourism could be an answer ......... but questions remain!
by Duane Nichols via CLEAR 18 Dec '19

18 Dec '19

Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, rare, pristine, and relatively undisturbed natural areas, intended as a low-impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial mass tourism. It means responsible travel to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving the well-being of the local people. Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Since the 1980s, ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavor by environmentalists, so that future generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention. Several university programs use this description as the working definition of ecotourism. Generally, ecotourism deals with interaction with biotic components of the natural environments. Ecotourism focuses on socially responsible travel, personal growth, and environmental sustainability. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Ecotourism is intended to offer tourists an insight into the impact of human beings on the environment and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats. Responsible ecotourism programs include those that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities. For these reasons, ecotourism often appeals to advocates of environmental and social responsibility. Many consider the term "ecotourism", like "sustainable tourism", an oxymoron. Like most forms of tourism, ecotourism generally depends on air transportation, which contributes to global climate change. Additionally, "the overall effect of sustainable tourism is negative where like ecotourism philanthropic aspirations mask hard-nosed immediate self-interest."

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The 20 Best Places to Live in West Virginia
by Duane Nichols via CLEAR 17 Dec '19

17 Dec '19

https://moneyinc.com/best-places-to-live-in-west-virginia/ This is actually funny. None of these locations compare to the quality of locations near most of the major cities of the United States, in my opinion. What about the outstanding mountain regions in Tucker County? Consider this as a low key excursion thru a somewhat backward (yet scenic) State. DGN

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Stand up for threatened and endangered wildlife | Opinion | timeswv.com
by Duane Nichols via CLEAR 17 Dec '19

17 Dec '19

https://www.timeswv.com/opinion/stand-up-for-threatened-and-endangered-wild… Stand up for threatened and endangered wildlife Letter to Times West Virginian, Fairmont, WV, Dec 15, 2019 West Virginia is home to many endangered or threatened wildlife species, such as aquatic brook trout, the illusive Northern flying squirrel, newly reintroduced elk herds, and many avian species. As our modern world continues to expand, it is necessary for us to protect the habitats and migration corridors of the wildlife that makes West Virginia wild. There are many programs that provide protections to these species, but one especially needs our attention and support now. The Land and Water Conservation Fund was created 50 years ago to balance the negative effects of offshore oil and gas drilling on marine ecosystems. Royalties from this sector are directed to funding public lands projects. In West Virginia, $6.4 million have been directly dedicated to 10 Wildlife Management Areas including Cheat Canyon WMA. Another $219 million has funded large habitat areas and migration corridors at places like the Monongahela National Forest, Spruce Knob and Chief Logan State Park. The Land and Water Conservation Fund received permanent authorization earlier this year thanks to the W.Va. delegation in Congress. Now it needs full and permanently-dedicated funding. I urge all West Virginians to ask our Congressional members to say yes to permanent funding in the upcoming vote in the House and Senate. This program is vital to protecting healthy habitats for the beloved wildlife that also call the Mountain State home. Karen Yarnell, Fairmont, WV

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Great Lakes Profile - Vivid Maps
by Duane Nichols via CLEAR 16 Dec '19

16 Dec '19

The maximum summer pool height for Cheat Lake is 870 feet above sea level ... https://www.vividmaps.com/2017/01/great-lakes-profile.html

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360 Degrees of the Cheat River: A Journey to Revitalization on an Ohio River Tributary - The Allegheny Front
by Duane Nichols via CLEAR 21 Nov '19

21 Nov '19

360 Degrees of the Cheat River: A Journey to Revitalization on an Ohio River Tributary - The Allegheny Front, November 21, 2019 The Cheat River courses through one of the largest undammed watersheds in the eastern United States. The river forms from tributaries high in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia and flows northward to meet with the Monongahela River just before crossing into southwestern Pennsylvania. From there, the Mon joins the Allegheny River to form the Ohio River. The Ohio River is a drinking water source for five million people, and 25 million people in Appalachia and the Midwest live within its watershed. The Cheat River has a storied history. Not so long ago, the river ran orange for miles at a time from acid mine drainage, but revitalization efforts have brought the waters back to life, both literally and figuratively. The once-dead river now supports an aquatic ecosystem that draws in anglers from around the region and world-class conditions that whitewater rafters, kayakers and squirt boaters enjoy. This video was produced by Jeffrey Boggess, Ariel Cifala, Bijan Fandey, Shae McClain and Mark Schoenster, students in the West Virginia University Reed College of Media, under the direction of David Smith, teaching assistant professor in the Reed College and multimedia producer for 100 Days in Appalachia. Smith can be reached atclifton.smith(a)mail.wvu.edu. Joel Wolpert assisted in shooting the underwater footage. Good River: Stories of the Ohio is a series about the environment, economy and culture of the Ohio River watershed, produced by seven nonprofit newsrooms. To see more, please visit ohiowatershed.org. https://www.alleghenyfront.org/360-degrees-of-the-cheat-river-a-journey-to-…

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Lake Lynn - Updated Schedule_11-6-2019.docx
by Duane Nichols via CLEAR 06 Nov '19

06 Nov '19

NOTE : The next scheduled event in the relicensing of the Lake Lynn — Cheat Lake Hydro Generation Project will be as follows: Joint Meeting for consultation with agencies, tribes and interested public ..... December 12, 2019, 10 AM, Cheat Lake Fire Hall. Two active projects of Lake Lynn Generation are as follows: 1. Upgrade of culverts and repair of washouts on the South Trail, grants are being applied for to assist with the financing. A progress report is due to FERC in December. 2. Dredging of a portion of the Sunset Beach lagoon, targeted for February or March. Applications to the State and Army Corp of Engineers are necessary for 401 and 404 permits. Estimates and bid criteria are in progress........ 3. A summary report on the drought incident during September and October 2019 would serve to help minimize the adverse effects of such events going forward? Duane Nichols, CLEAR

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Mon River floating debris. (UMRA trash synopsis.docx)
by Duane Nichols via CLEAR 04 Nov '19

04 Nov '19

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CLEAR Annual Update to UMRA in Morgantown
by Duane Nichols via CLEAR 04 Nov '19

04 Nov '19

CLEAR Report to UMRA, November 2, 2019 Cheat Lake Environment & Recreation Association to the Upper Monongahela River Association 1. Ownership of Lake Lynn Generationand Cheat Lake -- It was announced on October 8th that Ontario PowerGeneration (OPG) has finalized the acquisition of Cube Hydro Partners and HelixPartners, collectively known as Cube Hydro, an owner and operator of small andmedium hydropower facilities, from Squared Capital. Now Cube Hydro and Eagle Creek will representthe United States hydro platform of OPG. Note: Cheat Lake and the LakeLynn Dam are operated as Lake Lynn Generation, the second largest of the eightprojects of Cube Hydro. 2. Lake Lynn Relicensing -- On October 25th thenotice was published in the Dominion Post, namely “Intent to File LicenseApplication, Filing of Pre-Application Document, and Approving Use of theTraditional Licensing Process” by Lake Lynn Generation. A public information meeting is required byFERC and has been set for 10 am on December 12th at the Cheat LakeFire Hall. CLEAR believes that the Damowner should provide an on-site recreation office to promote and managerecreation on Cheat Lake. The practiceover the years has been for recreation planning, management and trouble shootingprovided by off-site personnel. Licensing can be for 30 to 50 years. 3. Drought incident -- In late September and early October, a drought condition prevailed overthe Cheat River watershed such that the river flowrate was insufficient tomaintain the Lake level above 868 ft above sea level. Warnings were sent to theMarinas and the public that low levels could affect dock and boat removalsprior to October 31st, the end of the normal boating season. Damoutflows were continued to maintain river oxygen levels below the dam at 5 orabove. The Lake level fell to approximately 866, down two feet below normalpool height. Some boaters and dock owners experienced difficulties on lakeremoval activities. Planning is underwayto perform a dredging operation in the Sunset Beach cove lagoon this winter orearly spring. 4. CLEAR boat – CLEAR owns a 24 foot pontoon boat foroperations on Cheat Lake. This was used during the late summer to removalplastic barrels and other debris from the Lake. 5. The South Trail washout which occurred in late June ofthis year resulted in the closure of the South Trail. Two or more culverts were inadequate to carrythe heavy rain flow and large gaps were created around the existing drainducts. Planning is underway to determinethe potential for repeat events so that repairs and upgrades will be adequate. 6. Cheat Lake Swimming Beach -- The swimming beach on CheatLake was opened on 2011 and has grown in popularity. CLEAR proposes to expandthe beach to include the area between the existing beach and the day-use boatdocks. A separate dog beach is also recommend. Fecal coliform pollution can be a problem a few days after heavy rainstorms. 7. Buzzard Run – The Cheat Lake Rotary Club has adopted aproject to create a public access point to the Cheat River at Buzzard Run, avery small stream near the intersection of Tyrone Road and Snake Hill Road. 8. Cheat Lake Water Quality -- The water quality in the Cheat River and Cheat Lake have been quitegood for the past few years. The Riverof Promise program of the Friends of the Cheat and other organizations andagencies continues activities to prevent or treat acid mine drainage into theRiver. A major water treatment plant wasbuilt and dedicated this summer at the mouth of Muddy Creek. This project includes a pipeline to movepolluted water from near its source to the treatment plant. The Cheat Lake River and Cheat Lake watergeneral show a TDS level below 200 microsiemens/cm. (Rowlesburg is seeking toinstall a treatment facility for their raw sewage outflow.) 9. Mon River Water Quality -- The Monongahela River water as monitored by the USGS metering stationat the Pt. Marion Dam shows TDS levels consistently above 200 microsiemens/cm.This measure is frequently above 300 and now is running above 400. Historicdata shows higher levels in the autumn months each year. The trends and risks for the Mon River waterquality are not promising. Duane G. Nichols, CLEAR330 Dream Catcher CircleMorgantown, WV 26508 Duane330(a)aol.com

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Public Meetings on Longview Power Plant(s)
by Duane Nichols via CLEAR 10 Oct '19

10 Oct '19

NOTE: Longview is proposing to continue to run the existing coal fired coal power and install a waste stream pipeline into Robinson Run and/or the Monongahela River. Also, proposed is Longview II — a gas fired power plant — which will emit thousands of tons of carbon dioxide each day along with nitrogen oxides, particulates and other pollutants. ATTN: Longview Working Group-Planning meeting Sunday > > We have reservations for a large public meeting on Nov. 7 (6-9 PM at the MAC on High Street), and our goal is to get 100 people there. > > So we will hole our next planning meeting this Sunday (Oct. 13) at the Suncrest Panera's at 6:30 PM. The room holds 15, so if each person brings a friend, we can fill the space. > > Can we count on you? > > Thanks to Justin, here's the Facebook event for Sunday's meeting, if everyone could share that out and invite friends. > > https://www.facebook.com/events/1383548498460251/ > > Jim Kotcon

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