CHEAT LAKE ENVIRONMENT AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION
CLEAR Activities Report, January 11, 2007
CLEAR completed work under a special grant of $5,000 under the Stream Partners program of the State of West Virginia at the end of September 2006. These funds were kept in a separate bank account so as not to be co-mingled with the other (regular) funds of CLEAR.
It was confired that from time to time the lake shows significant levels of fecal coliform or E. coli, such that some precautions should be taken by swimmers others in contact with the water; but, in general, most areas show a water quality that is reasonably good – most of the time. After heavy rains, the turbidity increases and the bacterial count also rises, as contamination upstream is washed into the main body of the Lake.
We have purchased two portable instruments to monitor the waters of the Lake and feeder streams during the coming months. One is a portable meter for simultaneous measurements of pH, conductivity and temperature. The other measures “turbidity”, which is related to the amount of fine suspended ‘solids’ in the water that cause the water to be cloudy or opaque.
We are planning to meet with Colonel Fields, the new supervisor of security at the Cheat Lake Park and Trail, to discuss recreational enhancements and possible joint activities This planning is expected to be complete by April 1, 2006 with immediate implementation possible. Such a trial program could provide needed information for the longer term recreational programs at the Park and Trail.
Other programs planned for the spring include a public lecture on the natural environment of Cheat Lake and surroundings, a program on boating safety in cooperation with the WV Department of Natural Resources, etc.
We recently discussed the problems of shoreline erosion with Allegheny Energy. While the problem is a difficult one, at least two significant projects were identified for possible adoption. These are currently being explored. [A related problem is caused by floating debris; this too is a difficult problem, but one worthy of consideration this spring.]
Settlement negotiations are continuing with AWP regarding protection for the Cheat three-tooth snail and the Indiana bat in the Cheat Canyon. The law suit in federal district court includes CLEAR, the Friends of Blackwater, and the State Chapter of the Sierra Club as plaintiffs. It was reported to the federal court yesterday that significant progress towards a settlement has been made.
CLEAR is a participant with Citizens for Responsible Development and Citizens for Alternatives to Longview Power (CALP) and other “concerned citizens” regarding the proposed 600 MW Longview power plant. We have recently provided information and motions to the Public Service Commission requesting that Longview provide proper “public notice” of proposed changes in their plans. These changes include an increase to 695 MW output with the same coal input, larger buildings (the turbine building would be 20% taller), more water consumption (12% increase), and other possible impacts.
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ACTION ITEMS LOOKING FORWARD
Please email me as soon as possible if you will be able to join in a working group starting in February on one of the following topics:
1. Recreation programs at the Park and Trail.
2. Shoreline erosion and lake debris control.
3. Boating and swimming safety.
4. Planning and sustained development around the Lake.
5. Public Lecture program: The natural environment, boating and swimming safety, planning & sustained development in the Cheat Lake area, etc.
Which of these activities could you work on during February thru August?
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Respectfully submitted,
Duane Nichols, CLEAR President _duane330@aol.com_ (mailto:duane330@aol.com)