CLEAR

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Work session this Wed. @ 9:30 am
by Duane330＠aol.com 20 Jul '10

20 Jul '10

CLEAR Work Session. We will have a work session at the Millstone Point, just south of the Day Use Boat Docks near the Morgan Run Backwater, on Wednesday, July 21st starting at 9:30 am. Each person must sign it at the Guard House and indicate that they are working with CLEAR. The work involves the cutting of vines and underbrush, the collection of debris from the land and shoreline between Millsone Point and the Day Use Boat Docks. We will then be able to use this area for "swimming at your own risk". There is poison ivy in the tree grove along the shoreline. So, please bring boots, pants, long sleeve shirts and gloves. Also, much of the debris is in the water, so some wading and handling of wet tree limbs may be involved. (Chad Pierskalla sprayed much of the poison ivy yesterday, but we didn't get it all and it will take some time to eradicate it.) Let me know if you have questions. And, let me know if you can participate. This location on Cheat Lake is very beautiful and the view of the trail, lake and dam are excellent. Duane Nichols, CLEAR Cell: 304-216-5535

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CLARIFICATION --water withdrawal monitoring
by Duane330＠aol.com 15 Jul '10

15 Jul '10

CLARIFICATION Last week Friends of the Cheat was notified that the WV DEP had issued guidance against water withdrawals from WV streams. Because there is no current rule mandating water withdrawals the guidance is open to interpretation and also not enforceable. From what we understand inspectors are open to interpret this guidance and determine whether withdrawals are appropriate. Still, if you see something that concerns you--please report it to the WV DEP Oil and Gas office. I apologize for any confusion. Below is the direct quote from WV DEP: By James Martin, WV DEP: “Please get word out to the inspectors that under the current conditions, flows in many streams, perhaps most streams, are not going to be at sufficient levels for withdrawals. _If they witness such activity and it is clear that the flow is too low they should stop the activity immediately_. If they have a question about the flow conditions, they can contact the office to check the stream gage information through the withdrawal tool”. *WV DEP Office of Oil and Gas* Preston County inspector: Bryan Harris (304) 553-6087 Mon County inspector: Tristan Jenkins (304) 552-3874 Inspector supervisor: Dave Belcher (304) 926-0499 ext. 1647 (304) 389-7590 cell Amanda Pitzer Executive Director Friends of the Cheat www.cheat.org Find your place on the planet. Dig in, and take responsibility from there. - Gary Snyder

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Update on Dunkard Creek @ OLLI
by Duane330＠aol.com 10 Jul '10

10 Jul '10

LATEST UPDATES ON DUNKARD CREEK FISH KILL AND WATER QUALITY ISSUES NOTE! If you are not a member of OLLI –WVU (see below), and plan to attend, we ask you email Don Strimbeck at _dcsoinks(a)comcast.net_ (mailto:dcsoinks@comcast.net) , stating you plan to attend. We need to ensure we got enough seats for attendees!! Wednesday 14 July, 6:30-8PM, Mountaineer Mall, Morgantown WV. Barry Pallay informed me (Strimbeck) that this meeting is open to the PUBLIC and NEWS MEDIA. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WVU http://www.olliatwvu.org/ Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. "The Dunkard Creek Fish Kill and the Future of Our Streams and Drinking Water" Barry Pallay, Frank Jernejcic, and Wallace Venable, July 14 Classroom A Recent incidents involving the quality of drinking water and the fish kill on Dunkard Creek have drawn attention to issues related to treating waste water, especially during exceptional stream flow situations. Both incidents involved high levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) resulting from human activity. This class will provide an opportunity to learn more about the TDS problem and methods of mitigation. Barry Pallay is a chemical engineer, vice-president of the Upper Monongahela River Association (UMRA), and chair of the Monongahela River Recreation & Commerce Committee (MRRCC). During fisheries biologist Frank Jernejcic’s many years with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, he has observed both improvement and a number of disasters in water quality. Wallace Venable is a mechanical engineer, technical coordinator of UMRA, and webmaster for UMRA and MRRCC. Above meeting will be at OLLI classroom A at the Mountaineer Mall, Morgantown WV. Don Strimbeck, Sec/Treas, Upper Mon River Assoc, _www.UpperMon.org_ (http://www.UpperMon.org) Email: _dcsoinks(a)comcast.net_ (mailto:dcsoinks@comcast.net)

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Environmental Costs of Marcellus Gas
by Duane330＠aol.com 10 Jul '10

10 Jul '10

July 9, 2010 | Scientific American Concerns Spread over Environmental Costs of Producing Shale Gas The extent to which utilities will burn natural gas to slash carbon dioxide emissions tied to global warming is a national issue. But on the ground, where it's being produced, the issues become very local. By _Joel Kirkland_ (http://www.scientificamerican.com/author.cfm?id=2404) and _ClimateWire_ (http://www.scientificamerican.com/author.cfm?id=2308) : See the web-site below: _Concerns Spread over Environmental Costs of Producing Shale Gas_ (http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.… hale-gas-concerns&ct=ga&cad=:s1:f2:v0:i0:lt:e2:p2:t1278759102:&cd=bLatCGsz14 E&usg=AFQjCNFw3B88RujfhjvcS_t2OiMqBE1DHA)

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Temporary Moratorium on Water Withdrawals
by Duane330＠aol.com 09 Jul '10

09 Jul '10

NOTICE.................................. In response to increased temperatures, lack of substantial rainfall, and overall depleted levels of surface and groundwater, the WV Department of Environmental Protection has issued a temporary moratorium on all water withdrawals for natural gas drilling operations. If you see what appears to be a tanker withdrawing water from a stream you are urged to contact the WV DEP Office of Oil and Gas. Please note specifically WHERE and WHEN you saw the withdrawal and any identifying characteristics of the vehicle (license plate #, company name, etc.) Enforcement starts with keen eyeslease help protect our precious water resources. Contact information is provided below: *WV DEP Office of Oil and Gas* Preston County inspector: Bryan Harris (304) 553-6087 Mon County inspector: Tristan Jenkins (304) 552-3874 Inspector supervisor: Dave Belcher (304) 926-0499 ext. 1647 (304) 389-7590 cell Violations: Helen Hardman (304) 926-0499 ext. 1650 Emergency Hotline: 1-800-642-3074 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Amanda Pitzer, Executive Director, Friends of the Cheat

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FRACing impacts on drinking water (EPA meeting)
by Duane330＠aol.com 07 Jul '10

07 Jul '10

EPA TO HOLD INFORMATIONAL MEETING IN CANONSBURG, PA ON A RESEARCH STUDY ADDRESSING HYDRAULIC FRACTURING'S POTENTIAL IMPACT ON DRINKING WATER "Hydraulic fracturing" is an increasingly common method to access Natural gas, but concerns are being raised about its impact on drinking water. EPA is hosting informational meetings to draft a study plan to study the potential adverse impact of fracking on drinking water. One of the meetings (one of four nationwide) will be held July 22 from 6-10 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Canonsburg, Pa. to plan and develop the study. The public is invited to comment on the draft study plan and must pre-register at _http://hfmeeting.cadmusweb.com_ (http://hfmeeting.cadmusweb.com/) (http://www.epa.gov/epahome/exitepa.htm) by Monday, July 19. _Click here for the schedules of all the informational public meetings_ (http://www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/wells_hydroout.html#meetings) which will also be held July 8 (Texas), July 13 (Colorado), and August 12 (Binghamton, N.Y.). For more information on hydraulic fracturing, go to _http://www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/wells_hydrofrac.html_ (http://www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/wells_hydrofrac.html)

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Tier 3 designation for trout streams
by Duane330＠aol.com 29 Jun '10

29 Jun '10

The Comment Period on Tier 3 Stream Nominations Is Now Underway On May 12 the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection published official notification in local newspapers that it is proposing to add three streams located primarily on private land in Preston County to the Tier 3 stream list. Tier 3 designation would provide these streams on private land the highest level of protection under the antidegradation provisions of the federal Clean Water Act, and the three streams would be the first private-land streams designated since the Legislature adopted the new antidegradation provisions in 2008. The three streams are Watkins Run, Fill Hollow Creek, and an unnamed tributary of Fill Hollow Creek, all located in Preston County. They are classic, pristine West Virginia native brook trout streams that fully deserve to be protected from future degradation. You have until July 12, the end of the public comment period, to let DEP have your comments on adding these streams to the Tier 3 list. Here’s where to send your comments: Written comments on this proposal must be sent by U.S. mail, postmarked or hand-delivered by July 12, 2010, directed to: Scott Mandirola Attention: Tier 3 Nomination WV Department of Environmental Protection 601 57th Street, S.E. Charleston, WV 25304 Comments may also be sent by e-mail to _dep.comments(a)wv.gov_ (http://www.dep.comments@wv.gov/) . ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- Background: This proposal is based upon a nomination the DEP received on November 23, 2009, to add the entire lengths of Watkins Run, Fill Hollow Creek, and an unnamed tributary of Fill Hollow Creek to the Tier 3 list. The nomination was made by Ladd Williams on behalf of Friends of Laurel Mountain. In his nomination, Mr. Williams documents that the streams are “abundant with aquatic insects and native brook trout.” The nomination also documents, among other things, excellent water quality in the streams, and includes petitions signed by an overwhelming majority of the adjacent landowners in support of the designation. The entire nomination package may be viewed by visiting the Water Quality Standards home page on the DEP’s Web site: _http://www.dep.wv.gov/wqs_ (http://www.dep.wv.gov/wqs) . Watkins Run was previously nominated and adopted as a Tier 2.5 (Waters of Special Concern) stream by the West Virginia Legislature in May, 2005. EPA approved this nomination in September, 2006 and Watkins Run was the state’s only Tier 2.5 stream from September, 2006 to September, 2009, at which time EPA approved the DEP’s recommendation to eliminate the Tier 2.5 designation from its water quality standards rule and adopt the new Tier 3 provisions. Tier 3 waters are also known as “Outstanding National Resource Waters” and are afforded a higher level of protection than Tier 1 and Tier 2 waters. Most native brook trout streams on public lands automatically qualify for Tier 3 protection. But streams primarily on private lands must be nominated for protection. Any interested party may nominate a water to be listed as an Outstanding National Resource Water. And DEP’s decision to list streams as Tier 3 waters no longer requires legislative approval. There are eight qualification criteria to be considered in determining whether to assign an Outstanding National Resource Water designation to a stream, as follows: Impact on private property owners Whether the interests of all affected parties have been adequately represented during the nomination and designation process Location of the water Previous special designations Existing water quality Factors that indicate outstanding ecological value Factors that indicate outstanding recreational or aesthetic value Other factors determined by the Secretary, when applicable Generally, nominations that fail to address at least three of the qualification criteria will be considered insufficient. The DEP has determined that Mr. Williams’ Tier 3 nomination satisfies the minimum criteria. Streams granted Tier 3 status are to be maintained, protected, and improved where necessary. Any proposed new or expanded regulated activity that would degrade the water quality, other than temporarily, is prohibited. This requirement only applies to point source discharges, such as sewage treatment plant and industrial discharges. It does not apply to non-point source activities, such as timbering, farming, and oil and gas drilling, as long as best management practices are implemented and maintained. WVRC has long campaigned on the Antidegredation and Tier 3 classification issue to protect the water quality of all the states rivers and streams. In 2008 the Legislature to eliminated the compromise Tier 2.5 antidegredation category, and finally initiated designation of Tier 3 waters across the state. Now is your chance to comment on these protections of our highest quality streams. Please send in your comments to DEP before the July 12 deadline. These Tier 3 designations are supported by the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, and they may be contacted at: _WV_Rivers_Update(a)wvrivers.org_ (mailto:WV_Rivers_Update@wvrivers.org) ............................................. To make a donation to support their work please _click here_ (https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=1002062) or call their offices at 304-637-7201.

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current EPA activities.............
by Duane330＠aol.com 28 Jun '10

28 Jun '10

EPA STRENGTHENS COMMITMENT TO REDUCE LEAD IN THE ENVIRONMENT EPA will notify the states by October 2010 whether they are attaining or not attaining the revised 2008 national air quality standards for lead. Once nonattainment designations take effect, the state and local governments will outline how they plan to attain and maintain the new, more rigorous lead emissions standards. Lead exposure can cause a range of adverse health effects, especially in children. EPA is seeking comment through Aug.16. For more information, go to _http://www.epa.gov/leaddesignations/_ (http://www.epa.gov/leaddesignations/) . EPA SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT TO ADVANCE ADMINISTRATOR JACKSON'S SEVEN PRIORITIES TO PROTECT HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT EPA is seeking public comment on a draft plan to protect human health and the environment through the seven priorities: "taking action on climate change, improving air quality, protecting America's waters, cleaning up our communities, assuring the safety of chemicals, expanding the conversation on environmentalism and working for environmental justice, and building strong state and tribal partnerships." The public comment period closes July 30. Please submit comments at _http://www.regulations.gov_ (http://www.regulations.gov/) . (Docket ID number EPA-HQ-OA-2010-0486). For the draft plan, go to _http://www.epa.gov/ocfo/plan/plan.htm_ (http://www.epa.gov/ocfo/plan/plan.htm) .

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<FOC> Save our Streams WORKSHOP
by Duane330＠aol.com 28 Jun '10

28 Jun '10

Subject: Friends of the Cheat Offers Save our Streams Workshop Friends of the Cheat will host a Save our Streams training event on Friday, July 2nd starting at 10:00am at the Cheat River Festival Site in Albright. West Virginia Save our Streams Coordinator Tim Craddock will lead a hands-on workshop teaching techniques used to complete a stream bio-assessment. The bio-assessment consists of three basic elements: water quality analysis, physical characterizations, and an assessment of the benthic macroinvertebrate community. Benthic macroinvertebrates are the small, but visible, invertebrates that live on the bottom of streams. A majority of the day will be spent collecting and identifying benthic macroinvertebrates or ¨ macros¨. Macros provide food for fish and other important freshwater dwellers. The quantity and types of macros found help determine the health of a stream. Two very different streams will be examined during the training: a stream polluted with acid mine drainage (AMD), Muddy Creek at its mouth, and a healthy stream, the Muddy Creek headwaters. Anyone interested in participating should RSVP to Andrew Miller at Friends of the Cheat by phone at 329-3621 or via e-mail at _amiller(a)cheat.org_ (mailto:amiller@cheat.org) Participants should be prepared to get wet and bring a lunch Andrew Miller OSM/VISTA - Friends of the Cheat

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"Cheat Snail Seminar" Monday 10:45 am w/ directions
by Duane330＠aol.com 26 Jun '10

26 Jun '10

To: All interested persons, this is our only opportunity on this topic: "The Preservation of the Three-Tooth Snail in the Cheat Canyon" Monday, June 28th, 10:30 am. Room 320 Percival Hall, Evansdale Campus of WVU. NOTE: Percival Hall is interconnected with Allen Hall (taller portion). Information: Duane Nichols, Cell: 304-216-5535. Chad Pierskalla, Office: 304-293-6530 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >From Interstate #79, take the Star City exit (which is also the exit for the WVU Coliseum). At the bottom of the ramp and turn right. Continue on this road through three traffic signals. You will pass a mall entrance and a Sheetz gas station on your right. You will then cross a bridge. Go through the third traffic signal and up the hill. At the top of the hill the WVU Coliseum will be on your right, and there will be a fourth traffic signal. Turn left at the fourth traffic signal. You are now on Patteson Drive. Continue on this road until you reach the second traffic signal. You will pass a Burger King and a Krogers grocery on your right. At the second traffic signal, turn right. You are now on University Avenue. Continue on this road through the next traffic signal. You will pass under the PRT (Personal Rapid Transit) rails. At the first corner after the traffic signal, turn right. You are now on Oakland Street. Continue on Oakland through the stop sign. The Towers (dormitories) will be on your right. Continue up the hill past the Towers. Pass Lot 50. There is a public parking area at the top of the hill, where parking passes can be purchased. This is the closest parking area to Percival and Allen Halls. Allen Hall is the tall building facing Lot 50. Percival is the portion on the right side. _http://www.hre.wvu.edu/about_us/directions_ (http://www.hre.wvu.edu/about_us/directions) _Map of Allen Hall and the Evansdale Campus_ (http://www.hre.wvu.edu/hre/college/allenhall_map.html)

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