West Virginia Highlands Conservancy Endorses Eight Rivers Safe Development, Inc.

Cass, WV -- The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy passed a resolution of support for Eight Rivers Safe Development's campaign to protect the Upper Elk River watershed, its scenic and natural wonders including caves, springs and rivers. Eight Rivers has challenged the WV Department of Environmental Protection's Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed Slatyfork, WV sewage plant project. WVHC's resolution follows:

(Also read Pocahontas County Caves and Springs Threatened! at WvHighlands.org.)

February 6, 2007

RE: Resolution of Support for Eight Rivers Safe Development

At a quarterly meeting held in Sandstone, West Virginia, on January 28, 2007, the Board of Directors of The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy passed a resolution of support for Eight Rivers Safe Development in its campaign to secure a safe, non-polluting sewage/wastewater treatment plant in the Upper Elk River watershed of Pocahontas County, West Virginia.

For nearly two years the Board has been aware of the controversy over the proposed regional sewage treatment plant at Slatyfork, West Virginia. We understand that Eight Rivers Safe Development has recently filed a complaint challenging the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) issued by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and urging that a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be prepared for this project as required by Federal and West Virginia State Code.

The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy is dedicated to the preservation of the unique wild and scenic areas in West Virginia. We also desire that groundwater be protected and that the fragile natural resources and ecosystems represented in caves, springs and surface streams of the Upper Elk River watershed be preserved and protected for the enjoyment of future generations.

Based on our understanding of the project proposal, and having heard the advice of professional geologists and concerned citizens, we strongly believe that the proposed treatment plant at Slatyfork threatens the Upper Elk River watershed. It appears that procedural flaws and lack of critical analysis of the project or consideration of alternatives have resulted in the Department's issuance of the FONSI.

The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy supports the actions taken by Eight Rivers. We encourage consultation and participation of the public and other stakeholders in any future activities related to project planning or the development of alternative proposals.

Hugh Rogers, President