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Concerns There are many concerns and issues about the proposed Jefferson Gas Compressor station. We need to build upon the huge turnout at the June 19th Scope Meeting and have everyone file their concerns with FERC by the June 23rd deadline. Below is a list of ideas that can help with preparing your comments. Copy and paste from the list below or better yet use them as a start and put your concerns in your own words. See File with FERC for filing help!
Geological Predisposition There is a fracture line that is visible at the proposed site. This is a significant difference between the proposed Middletown and Jefferson sites. A site with a fracture line on any part of it should not be considered for building a compressor station as it can be costly to build on with specific structural design and can be a potential disaster. There is a strong possibility that a sink hole could develop near the fracture line. Also, one primary way that ground water moves is through fracture lines. The fracture trace map of the area specifically shows that the fracture lines going through the proposed site are interconnected with other fracture lines throughout Jefferson including the Copperfield and Cambridge Farms Developments. Therefore, fracture lines could potentially bring contaminates to existing well head areas for immediate residents, Copperfield, and Cambridge Farms from the site. The current land owner has already drilled five residential wells on the proposed site which could increase the chance for contaminants to be introduced into the water source. Given these factors and the fact this is an unmanned station, it might be some time before a leak in engine coolant is discovered. Top Direct Impact on Catoctin Creek, Potomac and Chesapeake Bay The Catoctin creek has shown signs of declining health, and the added stress of building a gas compressor facility in the immediate vicinity would be environmentally irresponsible. Please refer to http://dnrweb.dnr.state.md.us/streams/pubs/ea05-5_county.pdf where Frederick County's results run from page 191 to 205. It specifically lists most of Catoctin Creek as "poor on macroinvertebrate health." Also reference Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS) http://www.dnr.state.md.us/streams/mbss/. Most importantly, this stream is part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and has potential to impact the Bay. A stream runs through the southwest corner of the proposed site, and under Gene Hemp Rd. The source of this stream needs to be verified, and the impacts of the proposed facility on the stream need to be determined. Top Impacts on existing land uses This is the second inappropriate agricultural/residential location DTI has chosen for their site. Industrial site options do exist in close proximity to the existing gas pipeline. DTI should be made to pursue Industrial site options only. Rezoning of this land to Industrial, and allowing this industrial facility into a agricultural/residential area, is opening the door to further industrialization of our area. The Frederick County Commissioner passed the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program and the "Ag Zoning Text Amendment" in December 2007. The purpose of that text amendment was to further protect the fragmentation of farmland and to protect existing farmland. Two farms in the Agricultural Preservations Program are within 400 meters of the proposed site, and a third parcel is within 900 meters. Top Effect on wildlife and farm animals regarding noise, air pollution, and contamination Noise from the construction and running of this facility can mask the communications that wildlife uses to attract mates and defend territories. This can also lead to bird nest abandonment and decreased reproduction success. Food cows located on the adjacent Crampton farm (and down hill) could have their drinking water and food contaminated by accidents at the proposed station and locals eating this meat will be exposed to unnecessary toxins. This can also lead to people not buying local meat. Additionally, Hemps is one of the major working farms in immediate proximity of the site. They have had their business in Jefferson for over 150 years. Their beef products are a mainstay in the diet of not only the Jefferson community, but many other surrounding communities both near and far. First and second hand contamination in the products sold by Hemps and other farms could occur. Top View-shed issues (the visual impact of the aboveground facility on surrounding areas) on Cultural Resources The building of this facility would seriously detract from the current bucolic view of Jefferson, including the South Mountains and the Harpers Ferry Gap. This facility will also affect the view-shed from Crampton's pass, a major turning point of the Civil War, Gathland State Park, and National War Correspondent Memorial. These historical landmarks are located in the 21755 zipcode and have a Jefferson mailing address. It will also affect the view for recreational users of the Catoctin creek. The Creek is used by Kayakers, fishermen and ladies, hikers and is also very historical. There are many mills that were placed along the creek, one of them being near Steiner's bridge. There are also caves along the creek, where Native American artifacts have been found dating back up to 8,000 years ago. One of these caves, Albert's Cave, is 1,200 meters downstream from Steiner's bridge. This cave was used by three different cultures of Native Americans for a 3,000 year period. A report was published in 1973 on this cave by the Archeological Society of Maryland. The old Easterday Inn is located just west and across MD 180 from the proposed site. It was built in the 1760's and was a place where the weary traveler could obtain a nights lodging and receive good food and drink. There are two natural springs on this property. Jefferson had its own place in the Civil War. Rt 180 is a civil war marker trail for the Gettysburg Union Trail. Also encampments were common during the Civil war all along Rt 180. Since Jefferson is on higher ground it was used as a signal station and encampment for both Union and Confederate soldiers. Jefferson played an important role in the battle of South Mountain, especially Cramptons pass by hosting the soldiers before the skirmish. Top Public safety and potential hazards associated with the transport of natural gas and the proposed compressor facility As with the Middletown location there is an increased risk of accidents from gas leaks, explosion, and terrorist attacks. We also only have a volunteer fire department in place and do not currently have the emergency resources available to handle the above situations. The Jefferson site is located directly between the US highway RT 340 and the one main road for Jefferson RT 180. The implications of a potential closure of RT340 or RT180 for any length of time short or long would impact not only Jefferson, but surrounding areas near and far. Both routes generate over 65,000 trips daily by commuters and commercial truckers, vacationers and locals. This is the main route into the Harper's Ferry and Charlestown, WV area. Over the past twelve years there have been five significant wind events in the area of the proposed Jefferson site, three being tornadoes and two downbursts. A tornado was the cause of the explosion at a gas compressor station in Tennessee. Top Impacts on local air and noise quality associated with construction and operation RT 180 is the main road that runs through the town of Jefferson. Access to the site during the construction phase needs to be determined. Either way to the site deals with narrow spots on RT 180, and leaves little room to maneuver. Additionally, there is an older bridge that needs to be evaluated for load capacity and structural integrity. There is a very strong probability for more then one construction site at a time when Smith Farm Single Home Family Community begins construction and the Streetscape Project begins. The citizens of Jefferson and all the construction sites would be in the midst of a traffic nightmare. It would not only be a mess with the dust and noise levels, but would cause commuter delays, school bus delays, and delays in general for traveling RT 180. The tunnel on Gene Hemp Rd can intensify sound and may retain heat and/or pollutants. What about the 1,100 degree heat coming out of the smokestacks?
Top Environmental Justice Jefferson is a small rural community and is being looked to bear an unfair burden of industrial operations that could negatively affect the environment. The Maryland Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities defines Environmental justice as, "seeking equal protection from environmental and public health hazards for all people" Additionally, environmental justice means that no group of people including racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic groups should bear a disproportionate share of negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, land-use planning and zoning, municipal and commercial operations or the execution of federal, state, local and municipal program and policies. Jefferson is already hosting a gas pipeline, gas measuring facility, 230kv electrical lines, highway maintenance barns, and salt domes for the county. Adding a compressor station forces Jefferson to carry more of the load for the surrounding communities. The citizens of Jefferson will not gain any benefit from the facility. Dominion has a history of industrial incidents. Dominion recently paid fines of $850,000 for several incidents at other compressor stations in Potter County, Pennsylvania (Genesee and Stewardson Townships) for soil and ground water contamination. This past performance should be considered when placing a facility in a residential/agricultural area. Top |
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