Dear Governor Morrisey,

As one of the majority of Tucker County residents, we stand united in our opposition to the proposed location of the turbine power facility in Tucker County, West Virginia: 45CSR13 Permit Application for the Ridgeline Facility CEC Project 350-613. This is only an issue because of HB 2014. Please veto HB 2014. It is completely at odds with the West Virginia Constitution and strips our local government and community they serve of their given power. 

Our concerns are many, but they revolve around these core areas: pollution, infrastructure, economics, quality of life, and HB2014’s prevention of any local input or control.

Impacts to our quality of life and health: The proposed turbine powered facility is less than a mile away from the community’s school, and within 1 to 2 miles of the residents of both Davis and Thomas. 

• It is well documented that the light, noise, and environmental pollution created by this type of facility will have significant detrimental effects on these quiet tourism oriented communities and their livelihoods. The traffic, noise, light, air, and water impacts will be extremely damaging to the quality of life of the citizens and to the experience of visitors to the area. 

• While the nuisance of noise and sound pollution will be considerable, this facility will also put the health of residents and their families at risk. 

• Public health officials agree that no level of PM2.5 exposure is safe, but dispersion models of similar facilities show that those residents in close proximity are especially at risk. There are many health risks from pm2.5 exposure including increased hospitalizations due to cardiovascular, pulmonary, and other issues like strokes and cancers.  Exposure for long periods is especially dangerous for children and the elderly.  Given the project’s proximity to the school, and the average age of the surrounding communities, this undisputed fact is of particular concern.

Impacts to our economy and infrastructure: 

• It is well documented that the light, noise, and environmental pollution created by this type of facility will have significant detrimental effects on these quiet tourism oriented communities and their livelihoods.

• The local EMS and fire department in these communities are already stretched too thin. The local infrastructure simply cannot support a project of this scale. The sheer volume of traffic from the construction and fuel delivery will be debilitating, and the influx of temporary construction teams will put a massive strain on an already difficult housing situation. 

• In addition, the water needs required for these types of projects are unbelievable in scale. Drought has been a significant issue in our community, and water shortages have resulted in water disruptions to the residents. Given this area is predicted to continue to endure drought, the effect a project of this size will have on already limited water resources is simply untenable.

• Given the tourism dependent nature of the local economy the resulting destruction of the “vacation feel”, view shed, night sky, and crisp mountain views cannot be overstated.

• The real estate and investing segments within Tucker County are likely already suffering. Very few would risk buying or investing in this area, given that HB2014 has stripped away any zoning protections for owners or investors.

The stakes could not be higher for the residents and stakeholders of Tucker County.  The fate of our health, livelihoods, environment, homes, and legacy are at risk. Yet, we are being denied our right to even have a seat at the table.  For a democracy to function, elected officials must represent the citizens’ ideas and concerns. As citizens, we strongly feel HB2014 is denying us that representation.

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Economic development must have balance and planning to provide diverse and sustainable revenue streams. In the blink of an eye, these types of facilities may go from the size of two Walmart super centers, to the size of a suitcase.  Land once industrialized is excruciatingly difficult to reclaim.  Devastating a lucrative tourism economy, when there are industrial areas lying fallow throughout the state, is detrimental to the long term success and economic diversity of West Virginia.

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The pristine beauty of our wild and wonderful legacy must be preserved for our children, grandchildren, and the millions of tourists from across the country that love to visit Tucker County. Whether they come to Tucker County to bike, ski, chase waterfalls, or wander the streets of the quaint “hidden gems” of Thomas and Davis, they all leave wanting to come back to the slower pace and crisp mountain air.

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As one representative among diverse groups within Tucker County, the driving force behind each individual group’s concerns are varied. However, they all revolve around the common themes of pollution, infrastructure, economics, quality of life, and HB2014’s prevention of any local input or control. We are all united in our desire to preserve the character, environment, beauty, and economic potential of our beloved community.

We are all united in vehemently opposing the proposed location of Fundamental Data LLC turbine Power Facility in Tucker County, and we urge you to consider our concerns.

 

 Respectfully,

 

xxxx - a full time resident in Davis, WV