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EPA promotes healthy waters
by Duane330＠aol.com 08 Sep '10

08 Sep '10

EPA MEETING ON THE EFFECTS OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURING CHANGED TO SEPT. 13 AND 15 A public meeting originally scheduled for August 12 to discuss the effects of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water has been changed. Two sessions will now be held on Sept. 13th and 15th at the Broome County Forum Theater in Binghamton, N.Y. Registered speakers will have the opportunity to directly provide verbal or written comments on their views to EPA. Please pre-register for the meetings online at _hfmeeting.cadmusweb.com_ (http://hfmeeting.cadmusweb.com/) (http://www.epa.gov/epahome/exitepa.htm) or by calling 866/477-3635 until 5 pm, Sept. 10. For additional questions or comments, please email _hydraulic.fracturing(a)epa.gov_ (mailto:hydraulic.fracturing@epa.gov) . >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> HEALTHY WATERS BLOG CURRENT HIGHLIGHTS _Not Quite Trading Cards_ (http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/2010/09/themes/contaminants/not-quite-tra…) This blog introduces water quality trading which is being implemented as a cost-effective way to reduce pollution without compromising environmental protection. It is considered a faster way to achieve pollutant reductions, and to enable a watershed to achieve its water quality goals. What do you think are the potential benefits of such a program? _Extreme Makeover Land Edition_ (http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/2010/09/themes/contaminants/not-quite-tra…) You'd never know that this now revitalized property on the banks of the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County had been a century-old abandoned site used for illegal dumping. But EPA's brownfields program was able to launch and cleanup this 25-acre riverside land. Do you know of other properties that could use similar makeovers? Let us know. Visit the Healthy Waters Web site at _http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/_ (http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/)

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Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Recommended
by Duane330＠aol.com 01 Sep '10

01 Sep '10

Protect our community and our waterways.............. Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, September 25th _http://ee.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAxMC8wOS8wMSNBcj AyNTAy&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom_ (http://ee.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAxMC8wOS8wMSNBcj… kin-custom) _http://www.justice.gov/dea/index.htm_ (http://www.justice.gov/dea/index.htm) nationwide!

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Mon River at Risk from Pollutants
by Duane330＠aol.com 24 Aug '10

24 Aug '10

Silty, salty Monongahela River at risk from pollutants By Tim Puko, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW, Tuesday, August 24, 2010 _http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_696233.htm l_ (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_696233.html) The Monongahela River is at a crossroads. Not just at the Point, where the dark, silty Mon -- lifeblood to heavy industry -- merges with the clearer Allegheny. The Mon might be one of the country's most endangered rivers, according to scientists studying the river. Since 2008, the river has filled each summer with levels of contaminants higher than in at least 10 years. What role the region's gas boom might play in the pollution is unknown. State environmental officials are employing stronger regulations and may ask for federal intervention to save the river from new threats and a legacy of mine pollution. "There's been dry seasons before, and it's never affected everything as much as it has now," said Mark Stoner, a chemist with the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority and chairman of RAIN, the River Alert Information Network, an alliance of about 30 water utility companies. "I have colleagues who are in RAIN that worked on the Mon, and they've not seen this in 20 years, not to these levels at all. ... This is not normal." The problem started in late summer 2008. A pollutant that scientists call "total dissolved solids" turned the water smelly and sour for some of the 1 million people in Pennsylvania and West Virginia who get drinking water from the Monongahela basin. After decades of improvement to the river, the pollution surprised water experts from around the region. Total dissolved solids, or TDS, is a catchall term for different minerals that essentially turned the river into mild saltwater. It was only about 3 percent the strength of ocean water, but that's high enough to violate the state's secondary drinking water standards for taste and smell. As river flow decreased in the dry summer, high levels returned for shorter spells in 2009 and this year since late July. Scientists at the Department of Environmental Protection, West Virginia University and Carnegie Mellon University began analyses of chemicals in the river. Drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus shale caused more than a fifth of the pollution in 2008 because drillers diluted wastewater by dumping it into the river through sewage treatment plants, according to RAIN and the DEP. But DEP stopped most of that with new rules; gas wastewater probably doesn't cause more than 5 percent to 10 percent of pollution now, said Ron Schwartz, assistant director of the department's southwest region. Gas drillers are adamant their expanding industry isn't responsible for the river's pollution. "You'd have salt trucks lined up from here probably all the way to Wyoming to make that much impact on the water," said Tony Gaudlip, the water operations manager at Range Resources Corp., which essentially discovered the Marcellus shale. The Houston, Texas-based company has offices at Southpointe. Gaudlip blames acid mine drainage for the problem, and other scientists agree it caused most of the Mon's pollution for decades. Power plants started to screen out harmful metals from their exhaust to meet air quality standards and dump that pollution instead into the river, Schwartz said. This spring, the DEP began the process to have the river designated as "impaired," which would allow the federal government to set standards for river polluting. The Environmental Protection Agency would commission a study to determine limits for industrial dumping of total dissolved solids in the river. The DEP is implementing its own strengthened standards. Starting this week, gas drillers must treat wastewater to secondary drinking level standards -- solids must be fewer than 500 milligrams per liter -- before dumping it into the river. Most other industries have limits four times as high, and abandoned coal mines -- which fill with water -- are exempt, Schwartz said. Ken Zapinski, senior vice president at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, said targeting gas drilling wastewater is unfair and adds to the false perception that the gas industry is to blame for the Monongahela's condition. "We hoped that further work would be done to document where the TDS is originating from," he said. There's no scientific consensus that shale drilling isn't playing a role. The industry uses millions of gallons of water per well; a lot of that water comes from the Mon and its tributaries, which means the river has less water to dilute pollutants, Stoner and Schwartz said. In parts of the Mon, the river flow is less than half of what it usually is this time of year, and September often brings even drier conditions, according to the Army Corps of Engineers. Some early indicators from about a year's worth of detailed readings show more evidence of salt, a sign of the shale drilling industry, said researchers at West Virginia and the University of Pittsburgh. The change in the Youghiogheny River tributary has been especially dramatic, said Paul Ziemkiewicz, director of the West Virginia Water Research Institute. That river historically was low in TDS, mostly from calcium sulfate, the signature chemical of mine drainage, he said. But readings since January show the number doubled, primarily from salt, sodium chloride. "Something is dumping a lot of sodium chloride in the water. Where that's coming from, I don't know. But one might suggest (gas drilling wastewater) was getting into the Yough," Ziemkiewicz said. "I think if we ... don't get a grip on fluid disposal, we could have some serious problems."

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<clear> Proposed Landfill near Bruceton Mills for Drilling By-Products
by Duane330＠aol.com 27 Jul '10

27 Jul '10

Friends of the Cheat has been informed that a developer is proposing to build and operate a 150 acre industrial landfill about 1 mile south of Bruceton Mills, in the Big Sandy sub-watershed (please see attached map). The WV Department of Environmental Protection has been informed about this potential project, but has yet to receive the Class F industrial landfill permit application. Friends of the Cheat was advised to contact the Preston County Solid Waste Authority to find out more information, but has yet to receive a response. We were also informed that local landowners may have already sold land in the areas of interest but we do not know this for certain. According to the information provided to Friends of the Cheat, the landfill, a proposed solid waste facility, would serve as a disposal site for residual brine from natural gas drilling operations. Residual brine is a term for a by-product of Marcellus shale drilling, specifically a process called hydro fracturing or fracing. Water recovered from the fracing process contains a variety of proprietary compounds in addition to high levels of salt. The environmental impacts of these fluids is yet to be determined and many aspects of the process is currently unregulated here in West Virginia. Other pollutant threats include sediment from construction and increased truck traffic. Friends of the Cheat is concerned about this potential development. The Big Sandy sub-watershed was the first local area successfully restored from the impacts of abandoned mine drainage (AMD) pollution. A collaboration of partners, agencies, and individuals logged many hours and contributed millions of dollars to bring the Sandy back. This success story was recently highlighted in Trout Unlimited's report, "Restoring the Wealth of the Mountains: Cleaning Up Appalachia's Abandoned Mines": http://www.tu.org/atf/cf/%7BED0023C4-EA23-4396-9371-8509DC5B4953%7D/TU%20AMD %20report.pdf “The Little Sandy doesn’t look like most streams polluted by mine drainage,” says Bill Thorne of the TU P. Pendleton Kennedy Chapter. “It looks like a healthy stream lined with boulders, riffles and good forest canopy.” The Little Sandy used to hold thriving trout populations, but extensive mining in the middle of the 20th century led to their demise. “A lot of people looked at us like we were crazy for trying to bring back Little Sandy, because they thought the stream would be dead forever,” says Thorne. “But a few of us saw that the water’s worst was in its past and that we could help it in the future.” Working through the River of Promise framework, several mine drainage treatment technologies were installed along the Little Sandy and its feeder streams during the late 1990s. Notably, several of these projects were made possible by the OSM Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative. The National Mine Lands Reclamation Center at West Virginia University was also a key player, adding both the experience and ability that come from years of exploring mine drainage issues. These combined efforts paid off. In 2002, state fisheries biologists discovered many young-of-the-year brook trout in a Little Sandy tributary to which a team of volunteers, including many TU members, had transferred brook trout during the preceding year. Because brook trout cannot survive without clean, cold water, the fact that natural reproduction was occurring was a significant sign of progress for the watershed. In addition to providing habitat for West Virginia's most popular game fish and state fish, the brook trout, the Big Sandy is a getaway for whitewater enthusiasts. Referred to as "a pristine whitewater jewel...unlike anything else on the east coast," the Sandy hosts a variety of rapids that will challenge top notch kayakers (lower Sandy) and entertain the family (upper Sandy). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RVqglTw-6Q&feature=channel The Big Sandy and its tributaries also provide valuable fresh water resources to the local community, which includes some of Preston County's most valued farm land. Friends of the Cheat encourages concerned individuals and groups to stay informed and ask questions about the proposed landfill. The permitting process requires public meetings, but it is imperative that the research and conversations begin now so everyone is prepared for a healthy discussion based on facts. Please distribute this e-mail and information to community members, fisherman, boaters, environmental advocates and anybody downstream so we can work together to protect the Sandy. Sincerely, Amanda Pitzer Executive Director Friends of the Cheat

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proposed TMDL's for Cheat watershed streams
by Duane330＠aol.com 26 Jul '10

26 Jul '10

CLEAR members and friends. We very much need some people interested in the Cheat watershed to attend one or both the meetings below. I'll be on my annual vacation trip with family until August 8th. Duane Nichols ============================================================ Monday, July 26, 2010 @ 5:01 PM ============================================================ The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will conduct the first of two public meetings on draft Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for selected streams in the Cheat Watershed at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 3 at Camp Dawson’s Armed Forces Reserve Center in Kingwood, Preston County. The Armed Forces Reserve Center is located approximately one mile west from the intersection of Route 7 and River Road. Route 7 also is known as Main Street and Veterans Memorial Highway. The meeting was originally listed for a different location at Camp Dawson (240 Army Road) but was moved to the Reserve Center. The second meeting for draft Cheat Watershed TMDLs is set for 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 4 at Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis. The public meetings are intended to present a general discussion of the TMDL development process and to answer questions regarding the proposed TMDLs. A TMDL is a plan of action used to clean up streams not meeting water quality standards. Each of the streams under TMDL development has been identified as violating state water quality standards and the federal Clean Water Act requires TMDL development for them. TMDLs are being developed for fecal coliform bacteria, aluminum, iron, manganese, pH and biological impairments for selected streams. The DEP invites public comment on all aspects of the draft TMDLs. The comment period began July 26 and extends through Aug. 23, 2010. Written comments may be submitted by U.S. Mail and electronic mail. The preferred form for comment submissions is e-mail or disk in order to expedite the review and response process. Written comments should be postmarked no later than Aug. 23, 2010. Comments should be sent to: Steve Young, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, 601 57th Street, Charleston, WV 25304. E-mail: stephen.a.young(a)wv.gov Draft documents may be viewed at: www.dep.wv.gov/WWE/watershed/TMDL/grpa/Pages/default.aspx

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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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1440 AM RADIO = MON RIVER WATER QUALITY CRISIS = Wednesday @ 9:05 am
by duane330＠aol.com 22 Jun '10

22 Jun '10

MORGANTOWN AM, RADIO 1440 FROM 9:05 TO 10 AM, TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23RD. GUESTS WILL BE DELEGATE BARBARA FLEISHAUER AND FROM C.L.E.A.R. DUANE NICHOLS. TOPIC: WATER QUALITY CRISIS IN THE MONONGAHELA RIVER WATERSHED.

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Seminar: The Cheat Three Tooth Snail
by Duane330＠aol.com 16 Jun '10

16 Jun '10

NOTICE: The program entitled "The Preservation of the Cheat Three Tooth Snail in the Cheat Canyon" will take place on Monday, June 28th at 10:30 am. This will be held in Room 320 of Percival Hall, Evansdale Campus of West Virginia University. Presentations by the Cheat Lake Environment & Recreation Association (CLEAR) and by the Copperhead Consulting Group will be made. Representatives of the current owner of Cheat Canyon forest lands will be present to answer questions, i.e. the Allegheny Forestlands LLC NOTE: This meeting represents an update and report of the activities under Consent Agreement 1:05-CV-61 FPS, US District Court, Northern District of West Virginia, of February 5, 2007. This agreement involved Plaintiffs CLEAR, the Friends of Blackwater, and the WV Chapter of the Sierra Club. The original Defendant was Allegheny Wood Products, Inc. who sold their forest land interests in the Cheat Canyon on March 27, 2009. The Copperhead Consulting group has completed the delineation of actual and potential habitat for the Cheat three-tooth snail in Areas 1, 2 and 3 on the north side (river-right) and recently for Area 4 on the south side (river-left). Logging was completed by Allegheny Wood Products last year for the north side and no logging is currently planned for the southside. A northern segment of the Allegheny Trail passes thru the north Areas 1, 2, and 3, but is closed to the public. Duane Nichols, CLEAR. _duane330(a)aol.com_ (mailto:duane330@aol.com) , (304)-216-5535

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Hiking Trail off South Branch of Cheat Lake Trail
by Duane330＠aol.com 08 Jun '10

08 Jun '10

LUNCHEON MEETING TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY AT ZEN CLAY. This last minute call is for those who wish to discuss a proposed hiking trail in the Cheat Haven Wildlife Management Area. Location: Zen Clay on University Avenue Time: 12 noon. P.S. We are also planning a meeting for 10:30 am on Monday, June 28th to discuss the Cheat Three Tooth Snail Protection in the Cheat Canyon, location to be determined.

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Coopers Rock Celebration -- Saturday 6/12/10
by Duane330＠aol.com 04 Jun '10

04 Jun '10

COOPERS ROCK CELEBRATION of the OUTDOORS. An event of the Coopers Rock Foundation in cooperation with other local groups including the Sierra Club, Friends of Blackwater, Cheat Lake Environment & Recreation Association, and others............. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 12, and will run from 9 to 3 with a discussion session happening sometime in the later morning, e.g. 10am or 11am. Duane Nichols Contact: Gwen Jones, _gwendolyn.jones(a)fairmontstate.edu_ (mailto:gwendolyn.jones@fairmontstate.edu)

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Mon River crisis in news
by Duane330＠aol.com 03 Jun '10

03 Jun '10

Two West Virginia Rivers on Most Endangered List Posted Thursday, June 3, 2010 ; 06:00 AM | The State Journal file photo Photo Credit: Dunkard Creek near Morgantown The Gauley and Monongahela rivers have been identified by American Rivers as threatened. By Pam Kasey, Morgantown, WV Mountaintop mining and extraction of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale have placed two West Virginia rivers, the Gauley and the Monongahela, on the 2010 list of most endangered rivers. The nonprofit American Rivers prepares the list of rivers threatened by pending decisions each year. The list based on nominations from river groups and concerned citizens across the U.S. Rivers are chosen for most endangered status based not on current stresses, but on pending permitting, regulatory or other actions that could significantly impact their health. The Gauley River is listed as No. 3 in 2010 because of to mountaintop mining. Citing effects including burial of streams, contamination of drinking water, displacement of communities and increased flooding, the organization has called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to protect water quality by creating national standards for conductivity and selenium in streams. Appearing as No. 9 is the Monongahela River in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Troubling the Mon River, the organization's report states, are the combined effects of old and current coal mines as well as the beginnings of natural gas extraction from the Marcellus Shale. In 2008, gas well hydraulic fracturing fluids that were high in dissolved solids fouled drinking water for Mon River communities in Pennsylvania. Municipalities at the time accepted gas well wastewater they could not adequately treat. While they have discontinued the practice, neither West Virginia nor Pennsylvania has yet passed water quality standards for dissolved solids. In 2009, drainage from coal mines, also high in dissolved solids, contributed to a fish kill on the Mon River tributary Dunkard Creek. The organization calls for the enactment of water quality standards for dissolved solids -- a process that already is under way in both states. American Rivers also called on Congress to pass the FRAC Act to repeal the exemption for gas well fracturing fluids in the Safe Drinking Water Act and to require disclosure of the chemicals used in those fluids. The last time a West Virginia river appeared on the list was in 2006. That year, the Shenandoah River was listed for poorly managed development. Topping the list this year is the Upper Delaware River in Pennsylvania and New York, which provides drinking water to 17 million. American Rivers said that river also needs protection from improperly treated Marcellus Shale fracturing fluids. Rounding out the list are the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in California, threatened by outdated water and flood management; the Little River in North Carolina, where better alternatives to a proposed dam may be available; Iowa's Cedar River, subject to outdated flood management; the Upper Colorado River in Colorado, depleted by excessive water diversions; the Chetco River in Oregon, threatened by gravel mining; the Teton River in Idaho, also threatened by a new dam; and the Coosa River in Alabama, where the renewal of seven hydropower licenses pose an opportunity for increased protections for endangered species. This is the 25th year American Rivers has highlighted the nation's most endangered rivers. The group said its advocacy efforts have helped to improve rivers throughout the United States, including the removal of old dams and prevention of new ones, restrictions on mining and oil and gas drilling, and policy revisions that stopped the draining of wetlands.

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EPA offers information to the public
by Duane330＠aol.com 01 Jun '10

01 Jun '10

EPA WEB SITE OFFERS MORE TOXIC CHEMICAL INFORMATION EPA is increasing the chemical information that certain industries and federal facilities must submit under the Toxic Substances Control Act _(TSCA)_ (http://www.epa.gov/tri/) . More than 6,300 chemicals and 3,800 chemical facilities are now available for analysis on how they affect our air, water and land. In the months ahead, EPA intends to increase the information and to make the public portion of the TSCA inventory free of charge to the public. For the agency's Envirofacts Web site, go to _http://www.epa.gov/enviro/facts/tsca/index.html_ (http://www.epa.gov/enviro/facts/tsca/index.html) For more information, go to _http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/enhanchems.html_ (http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/enhanchems.html) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ELECTRIC UTILITIES RELEASE PLANS TO IMPROVE SAFETY OF THEIR COAL ASH IMPOUNDMENTS EPA is releasing action plans from 16 electric utility facilities with 40 coal ash impoundments, to keep the public informed on the safety of these impoundments and facilities. The plans explain how the facilities will prevent coal ash impoundment spills such the one that occurred in Kingston, Tn. in 2008. EPA has also proposed regulations for the safe disposal and management of coal ash from coal-fired power plants to protect human health and the environment. For more information, go to _http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/industrial/special/fossil/surveys2/index .htm_ (http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/industrial/special/fossil/surveys2/index…)

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Gans Compressor to release Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)
by Duane330＠aol.com 29 May '10

29 May '10

DEP Public Notice - County - Monongalia - Notice for the Draft Permit R13-2720A for Appalachia Midstream Services, Inc. LLC's Gans Compressor Station: Friday, May 28, 2010 @ 1:12 PM =========================================================== AIR QUALITY PERMIT NOTICE Notice of Intent to Approve On March 26, 2010, Appalachia Midstream Services, LLC applied to the WV Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Air Quality (DAQ) for a permit to modify a natural gas compressor facility located in Monongalia County, WV. >From Morgantown on I-68 East, take the Cheat Lake exit onto Route 857 North. Go approximately 6 miles and turn right into Laurel Aggregates Quarry. Stay to the left while going toward Lake Lynn Laboratory for 0.9 mile. Turn right, go 0.3 mile. Turn right through gate to compressor site. A preliminary evaluation has determined that all State and Federal air quality requirements will be met by the proposed facility. The DAQ is providing notice to the public of its preliminary determination to issue the permit as R13- 2720A. The following increase in potential emissions will be authorized by this permit action: Particulate Matter, 1.02 TPY; Sulfur Dioxide, -1.23 TPY; Oxides of Nitrogen, 7.09 TPY; Carbon Monoxide, 9.52 TPY; Volatile Organic Compounds, 10.30 TPY; Acetaldehyde, 0.22 TPY; Acrolein, 0.05 TPY; Benzene, -0.07 TPY; Ethylbenzene, 0.01 TPY; Formaldehyde, 4.34 TPY; n-Hexane, 0.30 TPY; Toluene, 2.50 TPY; Xylenes, 3.79 TPY; Total HAPs, 9.58 TPY. Written comments or requests for a public meeting must be received by the DAQ before 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 2, 2010. A public meeting may be held if the Director of the DAQ determines that significant public interest has been expressed, in writing, or when the Director deems it appropriate. The purpose of the DAQ’s permitting process is to make a preliminary determination if the proposed modification will meet all state and federal air quality requirements. The purpose of the public review process is to accept public comments on air quality issues relevant to this determination. Only written comments received at the address noted below within the specified time frame, or comments presented orally at a scheduled public meeting, will be considered prior to final action on the permit. All such comments will become part of the public record. Jerry Williams, P.E. WV Department of Environmental Protection Division of Air Quality 601 57th Street, SE Charleston, WV 25304 Telephone: 304/926-0499, ext. 1223 FAX: 304/926-0478 Additional information, including copies of the draft permit, application and all other supporting materials relevant to the permit decision may be obtained by contacting the engineer listed above. The draft permit and engineering evaluation can be downloaded at: www.dep.wv.gov/daq

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Support for Friends of the Cheat
by Duane330＠aol.com 25 May '10

25 May '10

DEAR FRIENDS: CHEAT LAKE IS THE CHEAT RIVER, ITS WATER IS OUR WATER! From: Duane Nichols, May 25th. _duane330(a)aol.com_ (mailto:duane330@aol.com) (304-216-5535) _Janet Lenox_ (http://www.facebook.com/n/?profile.php&id=1527794757&mid=265b01fG5af321ad92…) May 25, 2010 at 7:19am Subject: Eat for the Cheat! Hello Folks! Do you shop at Krogers? Do you want to support Friends of the Cheat. If you answered "Yes" to both of those questions, see below for a easy way to show your support. FOC has joined Kroger's Fundraising Program for non profits. Here's how the program works: You send Friends of the Cheat $5 and we will send you a gift card for Kroger's with an initial value of $5. You then can add however much money you wish to the card (This can be easily done at the register by check, cash, debit or credit card) and use it essentially as a kroger debit card when shopping at Kroger grocery stores or Kroger gas stations. Then every four weeks, Kroger will send FOC a check for 5% of the amount participants spent that period. For More informaton or to recieve a card call (304) 329-3621 or send a check with a note "Kroger Card" to Friends of the Cheat Attn: Andrew Miller 119 S. Price St, Suite #206 Kingwood, WV 26537 There is an article about this program in the FOC 2010 Winter/Spring newsletter, which can be found on our web site. http://www.facebook.com/l/d4307;www.cheat.org Your support would be Greatly Appreciated! Thank-you! Janet Lenox

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HELP. Please respond a.s.a.p.
by Duane330＠aol.com 18 May '10

18 May '10

To: CLEAR members and friends................... From: Duane Nichols. Proposal: It is herewith proposed that CLEAR become a participant in the upcoming WV Water Conference to be held at the Waterfront Hotel in Morgantown on October 6th and 7th. We would become an Exhibitor at a cost of $100 and we would submit one or two abstracts representing talks to be presented. Abstracts are due by June 30th. One presentation would be on "Cheat Lake Recreational Activities" and the other would be "The Status of Cheat Lake Environment". Please let me know if you wish to participate. Thank you. Duane Nichols _www.wvwaterconference.org_ (http://www.wvwaterconference.org) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> WV Department of Environmental Protection Rulemaking Last call for comments to WV-DEP via the Internet: The deadline for comments is May 19th on the protection of WV rivers and streams. Your input is urgently needed at this time. ***Comment Period extended until May 19, 2010.*** Draft 303(d) Documents available for review - _follow this link for details_ (http://www.dep.wv.gov/WWE/watershed/IR/Pages/303d_305b.aspx) Comment period for the West Virginia Draft 303(d) list began March 15 and concludes May 19. Comments may be sent via e-mail to _Stephen.A.Young(a)wv.gov_ (mailto:Stephen.A.Young@wv.gov) or mail comments to: WVDEP - DWWM Attn: 2010 Draft 303(d) Comment - Steve Young 601 57th Street, S.E. Charleston, WV 25304 Or see this site: _http://www.dep.wv.gov/WWE/Pages/default.aspx_ (http://www.dep.wv.gov/WWE/Pages/default.aspx) For more explicit help and an example response, see the following: _https://secure3.convio.net/nasaud/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction &id=851_ (https://secure3.convio.net/nasaud/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction…)

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Water Quality Standards -- public meeting -- 5-19-10
by Duane330＠aol.com 04 May '10

04 May '10

NOTE: The hearing below is very important to Monongalia County, as well as to the whole state. We need a drinking water standard of below 500 parts per million TDS (total dissolved solids) as in Pennsylvania, to protect our public water sources and to help prevent chemical substances and algae from killing the living things in streams, including the fish, mussels and other critters. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> a=========================================================== Tuesday, May 4, 2010 @ 4:45 PM =========================================================== Water Quality Standards Public Meeting May 19 Charleston, W.Va. – The Department of Environmental Protection’s Water Quality Standards Program is having a public meeting to discuss issues related to the agency’s triennial review of the state’s water quality standards. Staff from the Water Quality Standards program will discuss proposed updates to 47CSR2 “Requirements Governing Water Quality Standards” which will include changes to the criteria for iron, total dissolved solids, nutrients and other parameters to protect the state’s waterways. The meeting will take place Wednesday, May 19 from 1:30 to 3:30 in the Coopers Rock conference room of the Department of Environmental Protection, located at 601 57th Street SE, Charleston, WV.

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