Protect Natural Resources and Randolph County Jobs
Over 500 jobs and millions of dollars directly related to the travel industry in Randolph County, West Virginia are at stake. A modification to the permit for a limestone quarry will have a drastic, irreversible impact on the county's growing tourism economy. The quarry will destroy 500 acres of pristine wilderness directly adjacent to hundreds of vacation properties and restaurants, and within the view-shed of the scenic railroad, but the modification will also pollute popular trout waters and hunting lands at a time when the county's economy is showing positive signs of REAL growth through tourism.
Quarry Developers, J.F. Allen Company want to change the Tier designation from a Tier 2 to a Tier 1. Tier 2 waters are described as "high quality" in their existing state. A Tier 2 classification prohibits significant degradation unless alternatives analysis and social and economic considerations justify lowering the water quality. Tier 1 classifications permit 100 percent of iron and aluminum assimilative capacity. The affected waterway, the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River, is not only popular with locals as a recreation and fishing area, but it also draws visitors to Randolph County from around the state and throughout the mid-Atlantic region.
Please help us inform the Department of Envrionmental Protection that by protecting our environment they are also protecting our families, jobs and thriving tourism economy. Thank you very much for your help.
We the Undersigned respectfully request that you block the attempt made by J.F. Allen Company to change the Pond Lick quarry designation from Tier 2 to Tier 1.
Changing the tier designation would adversely affect the economic successes Randolph County has experienced due to it's tourism growth. There are over 500 residents and families in our county who depend on their jobs directly related to the tourism industry, according to the 2006 West Virginia Division of Tourism Economic Impact Study. A loss of the $8.7 million in earnings and $35.2 million in travel spending DIRECTLY related to the travel industry, would have a disastrous impact on the local economy.
In addition to the economic impact, the quality of life for local residents and visitors (via the decreased water quality in the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River - a popular local trout stream, swimming area and tributary to recreation areas) would be affected. With the proposed runoff from the quarry into the water, it would endanger not only the health of the fish but also the health of our citizens who play in its waters.
Please respect the wishes of the undersigned and keep Randolph County's economy sustainable, through protection of its waters and its viable tourism product.
Thank you very much.
