Published: October 29, 2009 01:09 pm      

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR published Oct. 29

Dear editor,

Many readers may not be aware that opposition to the coal ash dump on Smith Mountain continues actively in the regulatory stages. The coal ash dump is by no means "a done deal." Many local citizens and organizations continue to oppose this unwise deal that was made too quickly by the county commission and Mayor Brock Hill.

Steve Wright and his new corporation, Smith Mountain Solutions, are asking the Office of Surface Mining, a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior, to change the post reclamation use of the mine site from grassland to "industrial/commercial." Steve Wright must have this permit change granted in order to proceed with his coal ash dump on Smith Mountain.

If the Office of Surface Mining turns down Wright's application for a land use change to "industrial/commercial," then the coal ash dump can not happen.

The request for permit change has been widely opposed. Numerous citizens have filed written comments to OSM and requested a public hearing which has been granted. The following federal agencies and organizations have filed comments opposing the permit change: National Parks Service of the Department of the Interior, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, National Parks Conservation, Sierra Club, Earth Justice, Environmental Integrity Project, Cumberland Stewards, Southern Environmental Law Center.

The public needs to be aware of the upcoming hearing about this permit. The Office of Surface Mining will hold and "informal conference" (public hearing) on Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. CST at Stone Memorial High School, 2800 Cook Road, Crossville. While opponents of the coal ash dump are hopeful that OSM will deny this permit application, it is still important that OSM be aware that most of the citizens of Cumberland County oppose the coal ash dump.

Citizens may speak at the hearing, but do not have to. Written comments will also be accepted. Show your opposition by your presence at the hearing.

We have seen what happens when big corporate interests provide misinformation about a win/win situation in our county. A lot of people including the majority of our county commissioners were fooled. We need to continue to make our voices heard for the protection of the future of our county. Please attend the Nov. 5 hearing.

Jean Cheely

Lantana Rd.

SOCM, Cumberland Chapter







Dear editor,

The Knights of Columbus would like to thank all those that supported this year's successful Oktoberfest. Thanks to the media and all our sponsors for the great support in promoting and backing of this event. We want to acknowledge the hard work of the many volunteers who unselfishly donated their time and talents. Considering the weather, the large turnout of people, approximately 1,700 over the two days, was most gratifying.

Thanks to all!

Dave Finnel, Joe Guzek, Ralph Mitter and Bill Rhoads

Your Oktoberfest Committee