20051457 Ver 1_Other Documents_20130822

To the Editor:
t-e vfrs �t�j're w��
°It= is= -seve�I-y -frs} ng for your reporter to write that the N.C. Division of Water Resources let plans for
a reservoir in Cleveland County "advance with no scrutiny." ( "State gives reservoir project an
unprecedented pass," Aug. 21)
We have been involved with this project since 2005 when the Army Corps of Engineers first sent notice
to the public of the proposal, have participated in stakeholder evaluations, commented on preliminary
reports and added our voice to questions about the project design.
We feel that the proposal as currently designed will not proceed to full approval. Should an alternative
design be proposed that more closely satisfies the requirements of a practical alternative, the division is
prepared to consider evaluating it through the 401 certification process. However, requiring the county
to spend additional money on studies that would be needed to acquire state certification for the project
at this time is a waste of taxpayer dollars and won't move the project any more quickly or effectively
toward resolution. As a result, we determined that the waiver — which is neither an approval nor an
endorsement of the project but allows the process to continue without further action from the state — is
the reasonable and responsible action in this unique situation.
In tight budget times, we need to be especially mindful of the need to deploy our limited resources for
the most effective protection of our waterways and aquifers. Using them to protect the quality of water
in a reservoir that will not be built is not a smart use of state resources.