DOCSLIB.ORG

Ross & Depaulo

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Ross & Depaulo ROSS & DEPAULO ATTORNEYS AT LAW PROFESSIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ALEXANDER J. ROSS 151 DUDDING AVENUE TEL 304-562-9045 WILLIAM V. DEPAULO HURRICANE, WV 25526-1417 FAX: 304-562-9093 [email protected] November 17,2000 Ms. Sandra Squire Executive Director I Public Service Commission L " i P. 0. Box 8 12 201 Brooks Street Charleston, WV 25323 Re: Case No. 00- 1209-E-CN Backbone Mountain Windpower, LLC Dear Ms. Squire: On behalf of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, I have enclosed for filing in the above referenced matter, the original and 12 copies of the following documents: 1. a December 5, 2000 email from Ronald Canterbury, Ph.D. to Frank Young, President of the W. Va. Highlands Conservancy suggesting that additional avian studies are required prior to issuance of a certificate of convenience in this proceeding; 2. a November 21, 2000 new release pertaining to a September 14, 2000 interim guideline adopted by the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service relating to bird kills at communications towers; ) I 3. a projection of the economic impact on Tucker County which would flow from I the incorporation of the Blackwater Falls State Park into the National Park system, and a discussion of the manner in which DO1 evaluates sites for inclusion into the National Park system. With these submissions, the West Virginia Highlands Commission believes that it has sustained its position that a complete and independent environmental impact statement is required for this project in order to adequately assess avian impact, and that the nocturnal light visible from the lower two arrays of the project jeopardize the recreational value of the Blackwater State Falls Park. We reiterate our position that, apart from the foregoing matters, the Conservancy does not oppose this project and supports the diversification of energy generation sources in the state. Very truly yours, r- William V. DePiulo cc: Robert Rodeker, Esq. Don Gasper Received: 12/ 6/00 12:49; -> ROSS & DePAULO-PLLC; Page 3 .'P-lLL-4995 G:31PM FROM ,", P. 3 From: Ron Canterbury <[email protected]> To: Frank Young [email protected]> CC: Sheila McEntee <[email protected]> Date: Tuesday, December 05,2000 534 PM Subject: Comments on a migration study used to assess the potential effects of wind turbine,s.on Backbone.Mountain ., . .:, .,*.... " , ... -..-.-._ ~~-~s-=---=.:,'*:I"., .A. 1:'-"<---------------- "--"--._.I..:.' _e.. '.. _. ...1<.-7.;..., Dear Frank, I am writing in response to your letter dated 30 November 2000 and inquiry regarding my opinion of the migration study on Backbone Mountain to assess the potential impacts of a proposed wind power project. Befo~elaunching \ into my views, I will first explain my connection with the project. As a leading state ornithologist, t was interviewed by Or. Paul Kertinger, the lead consultant on the migration impad study, to project my estimate of potential impacts on migratory songbirds and raptors. This interview, if I recall correctly, was conducted about a year ago. At that time, I also indicated that I would be willing to assist with any needed studies. This, however, did not happen. I am Chair of the WV Partners In Flight Research (PIF) and Monitoring and have seen numerous discussions of this project within W PIF. I have camfully read Dr. Kerlinger's report and understand that twcr graduate students conducted the migration field study. Although I have the highest respect for Dr. Kerlinger, 1 do have a few mncems about the study. Dr. Kerlinger is considered a national expert on avian migration ecology and is well published in the national literature. My concerns, hourever, involve the length and nature of the study. I am not necessarily convinced that I Backbone Mountain is a poor, or moderate, area for migrant birds. I conclude this from several reasons. Bird banding was NOT conducted by experts in the field to adequately assess what migrants were using the area. "Snap-shot" visual counts will surely miss some secretive andlor non-vocal species. Nor, did the study attempt to determine abundance of migrants. Yearly variation in migration is also NOT considered. For example, it was a poor fall migration season at the Allegheny Front Migration Observatory (AFMO) in Grant County (Hall, pes. comm.), which is close to the site studied in Kerlinger's report. Thus, it was likely a poor migration this fall along Backbone Mountain, too. Other areas experienced a good migration pattern. For example, it ms a fairly good migration season in southern West Virginia (Canterbury in press). Thus, the study did not deal with temporal and spatial varidon in avian migration. Backbone Mountain could be a good site for migrants in some years. West Virginia is a key state for many threatened and endangered migrant landbirds, as well as for many declining species and species of special concern. Northeast PIF and Cornelt Laboratory of Ornithology have advocated the importance of West Virginia to Golden-winged and Cerulean Warblers, for example. 12/6/00 Received: 12/ 6/00 12:50; -> ROSS & DePAULO-PLLC; Page 4 ' . ~a-i~1-1995G:~~PM FROM P. 4 Page 2. of 3 By my 14 years of research on birds in West Virginia, and especially that of eight years of migration studies using mist-netting and bird banding, I know that birds show remarkable variation within and between years and among habitats. A particutar area may have a(n) good or excellent flight of migrants one year, but not the next. I highly encourage more detailed studies on the site over longer periods of time. I recommend the use of bird-banding and use of experts in West Virginia. These suggestions are likely to provide a clearer picture of avian migration along Backbone Mountain, as well as a more robust assessment of use of the site by migrant tandbirds. I don't believe we should consider the building 01 wind turbines before more detailed studies are produced. I am NOT against wind power, nor do I advocate them. I do, however, betieve we need alternatives to fossil fuels and other energy sources, but believe the appropriate studies should be I conducted beforehand. Companies investing in wind turbines can only potentially benefit from adequate environmental decisions. These will ultimately lead to an easier road to travel when the next recommended site/project becomes available. Adequate investment in more detailed environmental impact studies will redwoe the burden of permit approval, etc. during future transactions. Migratory birds are being decimated by loss of habitat through suburban sprawl and mortalities in migration by crashing into telecommunication towen, buildings, as well as great lasses due to cats. We cannot, end shoutd not, contribute to additional losses without adequate environmental studies. Many national and WV Piers are concerned about the potential loss of songbirds and raptors at this site if the towers are. constructed. However, I predicted (from the literature, location of the site, my past experience, type of towers proposed, etc.)that the site in discussion is i probably not that important to migrant landbirds and may not produce mass matalities. I would, however, not bet on this predication based on temporal and spatial variation in migration patterns and without detailed studies. I urge Dr. Keriinger and the company involved, as welt as WV Division of Natural Resources, USFWS, etc. to consider my request to do more detailed studies on the site before a decision is made on whether or not to build wind towers on Backbone Mountain. Iwoutd eagerly like to work with Dr. Kerlinger on this issue. I firmly believe my expertise with migrant songbirds and evaluation of the situation coutd provide those involved with a more detailed and adequate resolution, or at least enough data for making a sound decision here in West Virginia. In summary, the migration study used to assess whether the projected site is a valuable area for migrants and, thus, not useful for wind turbines is (7) too short in duration, (2) lacks mist-netting and bird banding to assess the complete migration picture, and (3) does not consider temporal variation in migration patterns. One additional note is that the Golden-winged Warbler occurs in the area. This species is curtvntly being 12/6/00 -> ROSS & DePAULO-PLLC; Page 5 Received: 12/ 6/00 12:51; P. 5 , ' 4-1 4-1 995 *6: 32PM FROM Page 3 of 3 evaluated for federal endangerment status. Finally, the study does NOT consider how impacts of the wind towers OR bird populations IocaHy tie in with regional biodiversity and ecosystem structure. In other words, the concept of additivity. How does small disturbances in Wert Virginia contribute to ovetalllregional declines of migratory landbirds? Even small disturbances are likely to impact wildlife in some way, and these ace usually negative impacts. Much can be done to circumvent these impacts if continued studies are conducted or if there is long-term monitoring. These studies could be used to predict changes in bird populations, to justify application of restomtion ecology, as we\\ as to p~ediCtchanges in tower construction to minimize impacts. I do assume, however, that adequate sites for wind turbines may be present in West Virginia, but justifiable, sound environment€d studies are needed to document these areas. Sincerely, Ronald A. Canterbury Assistant Professor Chair, WV Partners In Flight Research and Monitoring Editor, WV Academy of Science Department of Biology The Southern WV Bird Research Center Concord College Athens, W 247 I2 Voice: (304) 384-5214 Fax: (304) 384-9044 E-mail: canterQu-=@consord-edu i 12/6/00. Received: 12/ 5/00 17:28; 202 219 2428 -> ROSS & DePAULO-PLLC; Page 2 ” 12/05/!00, 16:S2 FAX 202 219 2428 , MEDIA SERVICES-FWS -, --.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Mountain Memories
    MOUNTAIN MEMORIES WILD, WONDERFUL WEST VIRGINIA YOU’LL FIND IT HERE. Why just “vacation” when you can travel? Here in the Mountain State, we get real. The best way to dig beyond the attractions and into our rich local culture is, of course, to ask a local. So we covered that for you—and man, did they have a lot to share! Get off the beaten path and onto a real adventure with this one-of-a-kind map that takes you to some of the wildest, wonderful-est and realest places around. Brought To You By KANAWHA COUNTY POPULATION: 191,275 Charleston CLAY CENTER Take in a play or Convention BRIDGE ROAD BISTRO & Visitors stretch your intellect at the Clay Nationally and regionally Bureau Center, which is dedicated to acclaimed for its cuisine and wine Visitor or promoting arts and sciences in selection, Bridge Road Bistro Welcome the Mountain State. Center supports local farmers, producers 79 and communities. HADDAD RIVERFRONT PARK 77 River With an amphitheater that seats COONSKIN PARK 119 Elk up to 2,500 spectators to lovely South Coonskin has over 1,000 acres of Charleston riverfront and downtown views, fun with hiking and biking, disc 64 Haddad Riverfront Park hosts golf and a swimming pool. Don’t 60 a variety of events, including forget to take a trip around the Coal River Live on the Levee, a free concert Charleston skate park and feed a few ducks 119 series every May-September. while you’re there. Kanawha State Forest EAST END EATERIES 60 TIPS FROM The East End is home to an eclectic Kanawha mix of eateries, including Bluegrass 77 64 River THE LOCALS Kitchen, Tricky Fish, Little India, The Red Carpet, The Empty Glass and Starling’s Coffee & Provisions.
    [Show full text]
  • West Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel (WVNFS), Glauconzys Sabrinus Fuscus Five Year Status Review Appendix B — Capture Site Summaries
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — West Virginia Field Office West Virginia northern flying squirrel (WVNFS), Glauconzys sabrinus fuscus Five Year Status Review Appendix B — Capture Site Summaries Attached are the summaries for the 105 West Virginia northern flying squirrel (WVNFS), G.s. fuscus, capture sites l in West Virginia. Although biologists occasionally use live-trapping, nest boxes have been the primary tool for population surveys for the WVNFS. Biologists place transects of nest boxes in a survey area and check the boxes periodically for occupancy, typically twice each year, in fall and spring. Northern flying squirrels are nocturnal, leaving their nests to forage at night and returning during the day, which facilitates daytime nest box monitoring. The success of nest box monitoring relies on the squirrels occupying the boxes during the day of the survey. Menzel (2003) found that no WVNFS in her radio telemetry study used nest boxes (despite their availability) as den sites. All nests were either natural tree cavities (i.e. dens) or dreys (i.e. outside nests constructed of leaves, twigs, lichens, etc.). She also noted WVNFS used multiple den sites, switching nests on average every 3 days in summer, and utilizing up to 12 den sites per month in lesser quality habitat (Menzel 2000, Menzel et al. 2004). Further, the nest box monitoring program conducted by the DNR had a 2% average success rate of squirrel occupancy per box checked. These data confirm the difficulty of capturing squirrels via nest boxes and caution against relying on nest box survey results to determine occupied habitat, i.e., although a captured individual affirms presence, an empty nest box does not necessarily signify absence or unoccupied habitat.
    [Show full text]
  • Friends of Blackwater
    Summer 2021 FRIENDS OF BLACKWATER ©Brian Peterman Working to protect West Virginia’s High Alleghenies, Blackwater River, & Blackwater Canyon. PO Box 247 - Thomas, WV 26292 - phone: 304-345-7663 - www.saveblackwater.org - [email protected] Welcoming New Faces and Saying Goodbye to Others Blackwater Watershed Project Updates A big sunny hello to all the Friends of Blackwater Canyon! My name is Jocelyn Phares, and I am a West Virginia native. I was born in Elkins and raised on the rivers of this beautiful place. Ensuring West Virginia’s public lands, waters and all the creatures depending on them are protected is truly my calling. I am thrilled to be back in my beloved home state for the first time in several years. I love our Wild and Wonderful state, and I am eager to help preserve its beauty for generations to come! In 2016, I graduated from West Virginia University with a BA in Interna- tional Studies and a minor in Global Environmental Change. In January 2021, I completed my J.D. in Portland, Oregon at Lewis and Clark Law School with a certificate in Natural Resources Law. In 2018, I externed with the World Wild- Active Treatment Planning life Fund in Wellington, New Zealand. I also clerked for Earthrise, a non-profit environmental law firm. In my final year of law school, I worked as a clerk and The plan for an active water treatment plant on the research assistant for the Global Law Alliance. The Global Law Alliance focuses North Fork is moving along. It will treat the three main on regulating the international trade of endangered species.
    [Show full text]
  • West Virginia Trail Inventory
    West Virginia Trail Inventory Trail report summarized by county, prepared by the West Virginia GIS Technical Center updated 9/24/2014 County Name Trail Name Management Area Managing Organization Length Source (mi.) Date Barbour American Discovery American Discovery Trail 33.7 2009 Trail Society Barbour Brickhouse Nobusiness Hill Little Moe's Trolls 0.55 2013 Barbour Brickhouse Spur Nobusiness Hill Little Moe's Trolls 0.03 2013 Barbour Conflicted Desire Nobusiness Hill Little Moe's Trolls 2.73 2013 Barbour Conflicted Desire Nobusiness Hill Little Moe's Trolls 0.03 2013 Shortcut Barbour Double Bypass Nobusiness Hill Little Moe's Trolls 1.46 2013 Barbour Double Bypass Nobusiness Hill Little Moe's Trolls 0.02 2013 Connector Barbour Double Dip Trail Nobusiness Hill Little Moe's Trolls 0.2 2013 Barbour Hospital Loop Nobusiness Hill Little Moe's Trolls 0.29 2013 Barbour Indian Burial Ground Nobusiness Hill Little Moe's Trolls 0.72 2013 Barbour Kid's Trail Nobusiness Hill Little Moe's Trolls 0.72 2013 Barbour Lower Alum Cave Trail Audra State Park WV Division of Natural 0.4 2011 Resources Barbour Lower Alum Cave Trail Audra State Park WV Division of Natural 0.07 2011 Access Resources Barbour Prologue Nobusiness Hill Little Moe's Trolls 0.63 2013 Barbour River Trail Nobusiness Hill Little Moe's Trolls 1.26 2013 Barbour Rock Cliff Trail Audra State Park WV Division of Natural 0.21 2011 Resources Barbour Rock Pinch Trail Nobusiness Hill Little Moe's Trolls 1.51 2013 Barbour Short course Bypass Nobusiness Hill Little Moe's Trolls 0.1 2013 Barbour
    [Show full text]
  • October 2020 Newsletter
    October 2020 FRIENDS OF BLACKWATER ©Kent Mason Working to protect West Virginia’s HigH allegHenies, BlackWater riVer & BlackWater canyon. PO Box 247 - Thomas, WV 26292 - phone: 304-345-7663 - www.saveblackwater.org - [email protected] Meet Friends of Blackwaters’ New Heritage Vista Member Alicia Erjavec! Hello, Friends of Blackwater supporters. My name is Alicia Erjavec. I grew up in Clarksburg and graduated from Robert C. Byrd High School in 2015. This past De- cember I graduated from Fairmont State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a minor in Folklore Studies. At Fairmont State I worked on the Appalachian Teaching Project (“ATP”), which is an applied research training program for college students in Appalachia to design economic development initiatives for their com- munities. The goal was to design and lead research proj- ects in Appalachian communities in order to address the challenges that are currently going on in their respective region. I worked with supervisors Lynette Swiger of Fair- mont State and Connie Boggs of Monongah Elementary, with two other students, Christina Satterfield and Garret Alicia, our New Vista! Wilson, learning about the coal towns of Marion County and the tri-state area, and about the rail trail that goes The opportunity to work as an Americorps VISTA for through Fairmont. At the end of the course, we traveled Friends of Blackwater came through my old advisor at to Washington D.C. for a press confernce, presenting Fairmont State, and seeing that it was similar to what I our work to other student delegations, the leaders of the did for the ATP, I couldn’t pass up the chance.
    [Show full text]
  • WV Rail Trail Brochure 2016
    1-800-CALL WVA 1-800-CALL www.wvtourism.com provided by the Federal Highways Administration. Highways Federal the by provided This brochure was funded in part by Recreational Trail Funds Funds Trail Recreational by part in funded was brochure This Cheat Lake Trail Lake Cheat plus miles, these trails have much to offer. offer. to much have trails these miles, plus State’s rail trails are true getaways. With a combined 300 300 combined a With getaways. true are trails rail State’s Trail with its fishing piers and boat docks, Mountain Mountain docks, boat and piers fishing its with Trail its waterfalls and historic coke ovens to the Cheat Lake Lake Cheat the to ovens coke historic and waterfalls its attractions. From the Blackwater Canyon Rail-Trail with with Rail-Trail Canyon Blackwater the From attractions. in the country, linking people with nature and local local and nature with people linking country, the in state’s rail trails are among the most scenic and unique unique and scenic most the among are trails rail state’s hiking, biking, horseback riding and inline skating. The The skating. inline and riding horseback biking, hiking, perfect for walking, walking, for perfect to multi-use paths paths multi-use to have been converted converted been have West Virginia’s railways railways Virginia’s West travel, a variety of of variety a travel, Once used for train train for used Once Rail Trails Rail Rail Trails of West Virginia West of Trails Rail Mon River Rail Trail System Trail Rail River Mon Hiking Accessibility Appalachian Power Park, Taylor Books, Clay Center Joel McCann for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia, Capitol Memorial Trail Lace up your boots for The rail trails, with their gentle or level grades and Market and the Charleston Civic Center.
    [Show full text]
  • Poster Pitzer Monongahela
    Monongahela River Watershed West Fork, Tygart River Valley, Cheat River, West Fork River Watershed The West Fork River flows north from its headwaters in Upshur and Lewis Counties to Monongahela River Mainstem its confluence with the Tygart Valley River in the City of Fairmont to form the Monon- gahela River. The Monongahela River, also known as “the Mon”, is formed in Fairmont at the confluence of the West Fork and the Tygart Valley Rivers. The Fast facts: Monongahela joins with the Allegheny River to form the Ohio River at Drainage area: 881 square miles Pittsburgh. Length: 103 miles Fast facts: Drainage area in West Virginia: 4.180 square miles The water quality of the West Fork Riverand some of its tributaries is affected by acid mine drainage from active and abandoned underground and surface mines. Length in West Virginia: 37.5. (Total river miles 128.7) ○○○○○○○ Name origin: The Native American word “Monongahela,” means “falling ○○○○○○○○○○○ banks,” in reference to the instability of the river’s banks. Landmarks to show on the map: Tygart Valley River Watershed Blackwater Falls. The falls of the Blackwater River drop about 62 feet at The Tygart Valley River rises near Mingo in Randolph County and flows north, to join the head of the Blackwater Canyon. The River is named for the dark, reddish- the West Fork River in Fairmont to form the Monongahela River. brown water colored by tannic acids that originate from the hemlock and Fast facts: spruce forests that grow in the area. Drainage area: 1,376 square miles Inset graphics or text: Length: 130 miles Navigation and Transportation: A system of nine locks and dams from Fairmont to Pittsburgh make the Monongahela River navigable to Inset graphics or text: accommodate barges transporting steel, coal, and other bulk materials to A 12-mile-long stretch of the river below Buckhannon River is a class III-V and from markets on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.
    [Show full text]
  • Friends of Blackwater Canyon
    Friends of Blackwater Canyon June 2005 501 Elizabeth St.reet Room 3, Charleston, WV 25311 • 304-345-7663 • www.saveblackwater.org • [email protected] Friends of Blackwater and the Smokey the Bear, don’t cut out the Wilderness Society submit joint scoping letter heart of Blackwater Canyon!! On May 31, Friends of Allegheny Wood Products, a timber Virginia’s Blackwater and The Wilderness Society company owned by John Crites, wants to “”natural submitted extensive comments to the turn the beautiful, world-class Blackwater treasure” (that’s Forest Service on the scope of the Canyon Trail – located on our public how Senator Blackwater Trail study and questioned National Forest land — into a commercial Robert C. Byrd the legal basis of AWP’s request. The logging road and an access road to AWP’s described the letter was also signed by the WV Rivers planned condominiums. Blackwater Can- Coalition, the WV Environmental Our United States Forest Service (yes, yon.) Council, the Ohio Valley Environmental Smokey the Bear and gang) owns the We must demand that our public Coalition, the WV Chapter of the Sierra land that AWP wants for its commercial officials speak out, and tell the Forest Club, and the WV Highlands Conser- logging road. Over ten thousand people Service not to destroy the natural vancy. We told the Forest Service to so far have told the Forest Service that integrity of the Blackwater Canyon. address the following: AWP’s request is a bad idea. Now, the Go to our website, saveblackwater.org, 1. Research on endangered species Forest Service is preparing an Environ- and follow our mailings and e-mails along the Trail and on lands that border mental Impact Statement (EIS) study of throughout the coming summer, to learn the Trail — where a logging road and AWP’s plan; with some results likely in how you can make your voice heard on intended land use changes to develop the fall of 2005.
    [Show full text]
  • Douglas, West Virginia: an Historic Town Along the Blackwater Canyon Railroad Grade
    October 2018 Friends of Blackwater ROUGH AND WILD, DOLLY SODS SCENIC AREA,MNF, WV © KENT MASON Working to protect West Virginia’s High Alleghenies, Blackwater River & Blackwater Canyon. PO Box 247 - Thomas, WV 26292 - phone: 304-345-7663 - https://saveblackwater.org - [email protected] October 2018 Douglas, West Virginia: An Historic Town along the Blackwater Canyon Railroad Grade The Town of Douglas was founded in 1891 by William and Douglas Gor- man, who ran the Cumberland Coal and Coke Company, a subsidiary of Davis Coal and Coke. The town is lo- cated two miles down the North Fork of the Blackwater from Thomas, and just above Douglas Falls. Douglas was a coal and lumber town, where 175 coke ovens lit up the night sky. At its peak in 1910, Douglas had a population of 900. Coal miners came from Russia, Austria, Germany, Poland, Ireland, England, Italy, Hungary, Lithuania, Serbia, and Mexico. From 1891 to 1938, a dozen deep mines operated, the last one closing in 1954. The coal company had its own power plant and company doctor who lived in town. The company store was located along the railroad tracks, as well as a depot, post of- ice, and barber shop run by Frank Colabrese. “Barber Shop Falls” below Douglas is named for his business. A railroad line for lumber climbed the The Douglas company store and post ofice are visible at the far right above the railroad track. steep hillside across from Douglas to Davis, along the brink of the Black- water Canyon. Helper engines bring coal up the Blackwater Canyon Douglas was the irst level spot at the top of the steep Canyon railroad grade.
    [Show full text]
  • The Beautiful Blackwater Watershed State of the River Report I
    THE BEAUTIFUL BLACKWATER WATERSHED STATE OF THE RIVER REPORT I September 2014 Produced by: Friends of Blackwater 571 Douglas Road/PO Box 247 Thomas, WV 26292 Contents OVERVIEW 3 HISTORIC BLACKWATER: PIONEERS, EXPLORERS, EARLY INDUSTRY, RAILROADS AND RESTORATION 5 POLLUTION PROBLEMS IN THE BLACKWATER 7 TABLE: AVERAGE pH FOR AREAS OF THE BLACKWATER WATERSHED 7 MAP OF ABANDONED MINE LANDS PROJECTS 8 PAST AND FUTURE TREATMENT 10 STATE INVESTMENT IN THE RIVER 10 TABLE: AML PROJECTS BY WVDEP 10 THE BLACKWATER WATERSHED … A TOURISM MECCA 11 MAP OF BLACKWATER WATERSHED 12 PUBLIC LANDS THE RIVER FLOWS THROUGH 14 FRIENDS OF BLACKWATER 16 OUR RECOMMENDATIONS AND GOALS FOR THE RIVER 17 SUPPORT FOR OUR WORK 18 BUSINESS 18 NONPROFITS 18 GOVERNMENT AGENCIES 18 FUNDERS 18 OUR AMERICORPS VISTAS 18 GOVERNMENT AGENCIES WHO WORK ON WATER QUALITY 19 Photo Credits: Kent Mason Steve Shaluta Ludovic Moore Kathryn Davis Lon Marshall Dave Watson 2 OVERVIEW The high elevation Blackwater River flows through the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County West Virginia. It is a principal tributary of the Cheat River which flows north to the Monongahela forming the Ohio at Pittsburgh. The name “Blackwater” originated from the reddish-brown hue of the River caused by tannic acid from evergreens growing along the river’s banks and iron oxide from the Mauch Chunk shales underlying a large part of Canaan Valley where the river’s main stem originates. At 3,250 The Blackwater River slowly meanders through Canaan Valley the headwaters of the Blackwater River in the Valley wetlands, are placid -- compared to the raging river’s tumultuous descent through the Blackwater Canyon below Blackwater Falls.
    [Show full text]
  • Early Results from Calcium Carbonate Neutralization of Two West Virginia Rivers Acidified by Mine Drainage
    EARLY RESULTS FROM CALCIUM CARBONATE NEUTRALIZATION OF TWO WEST VIRGINIA RIVERS ACIDIFIED BY MINE DRAINAGE Peter E. Zurbuch West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Elkins, WV Presented at the Seventeenth Annual West Virginia Surface Mine Drainage Task Force Symposium, Morgantown, WV, April 2‐3, 1996. Introduction In 1992 the State of West Virginia initiated a stream restoration program directed to waters affected by acid mine drainage (AMD). The West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection (WV DEP) was placed in charge of the program. A technical committee, consisting of representatives from state and federal agencies and the private sector, was charged with developing data on priority streams and recommending methods for their restoration. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WV DNR) has members on the committee because of their experience treating streams acidified by acid deposition. The first two streams selected for restoration are being treated using methods developed by the WV DNR and successfully applied to streams acidified by acid deposition. This paper briefly reviews these methods and their application to the Blackwater River in Tucker County and the Middle Fork River in Randolph, Upshur and Barbour counties. Background The WV DNR began studying methods of treating lightly buffered acid streams in the late 1950's. The early history of this work has been reviewed previously by this author (Zurbuch 1984). One of the first methods tried was the placement of 2‐inch diameter limestone aggregate in the bed of a small stream. The method was abandoned when after a short period of time the stone became coated with precipitates and non‐reactive.
    [Show full text]
  • Walk Across West Virginia Route Descriptions
    WWAALLKK AACCRROOSSSS WWEESSTT VVIIRRGGIINNIIAA RROOUUTTEE DDEESSCCRRIIPPTTIIOONNSS Few of us have the time to actually Walk Across West Virginia (WAWV), but we can do a virtual Walk Across West Virginia by walking a distance equal to walking across the state. On the following pages are descriptions of five routes across West Virginia. Two are existing trails, two are hypothetical straight line routes through the geographical center of the state and one is a combination of trails and public roads. The longest route across the state is 281 miles. If you walked 5.5 miles a week or 21.5 miles a month, in your local neighborhood, you would equal the longest distance in less than a year. So why not set a personal goal of Walking Across West Virginia this year! Record the date you reach a specific mileage point on one of the routes to track your progress. You can use the mileage tracking chart found on the WAWV website to track your accumulated miles. Include your family members in your trip. You might enhance the “virtual” experience by actually walking parts of the existing trails nearest you, or by visiting some of the areas traversed by the hypothetical routes. The West to East route across the state also includes “trivia questions” about West Virginia. See how much you know about West Virginia.! Allegheny Trail Milage Listing Date Mileage Elevation Description _____ 0.0 2182 Pennsylvania/West Virginia State Line close to Bruceton Mills on Local Route 4 _____ 8.0 1495 Cross under I-68 _____ 13.3 1693 Mt.
    [Show full text]