TEAMWORK BRINGS SUCCESS
Our volunteers have literally moved mountains of trash in our efforts to clean up our watershed. We were able to do this thanks to our local business supporters, and the Kanawha County Commission, the WV Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), the Kanawha County Commission, Walker Express, the City of South Charleston, American Electric Power, and thousands of man hours provided by our members.
In 2008 and 2003 we were recognized by the West Virginia Watershed Network with the "Stream Partners Award" for our outstanding work in forming partnerships to achieve our goals.
Since our first year we have been recognized for our work toward restoring environmental quality. In 2000 we were honored with the state Watershed Network's "City Slicker" award for urban watershed work. We have also been nominated for awards in habitat improvement, water quality, and outreach and education.
COAL COMPANY APPLIES FOR MOUNTAINTOP MINE PERMIT
Keystone Industries, Inc., of Fort Myers, Florida has filed an application with the state Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) for a permit to operate a surface mine on the headwaters of Davis Creek's Kanawha Fork, adjacent to Kanawha State Forest. The company has been mining an area east of the proposed permit property for several years on the headwaters of Rush Creek.
The deadline for submitting comments to the WVDEP and/or requesting a hearing on the application was December 4th. The Davis Creek Watershed Association submitted a letter asking that the permit requirements for the mine include strong protections for water quality and storm water control to prevent increased flooding.
Our board members have attempted to contact the company's owner to discuss our concerns and present constructive ideas for mitigation projects but have so far been unsuccessful.
INCREASED WATER MONITORING PLANNED FOR THIS YEAR
We will be conducting our regular water quality monitoring starting this spring, and expanding to sampling more new sites. Volunteers are welcome and invited to join in and learn more about stream ecology.
All you need is wading footwear. If you would like to participate, please contact us at (304) 414-4715 or 744-4800.
