Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2011 14:28:27 -0500
From: Caroline Siverson
Subject: Western Wake Pipeline
On the February 9th Chat List, Patrick Barnes IV posted a letter from Mr. Sam Cherry about the Western Wake Partners (WWP) plans that propose running an 8.1 miles of effluent discharge pipeline through the eastern section of Chatham County. Mr. Cherry’s states that he is unable to locate a public document or resolution made by the previous Board of Commissioners that ceded authority either voluntarily or involuntary to Western Wake Partners to make decisions about properties in Chatham County.
On November 15th the previous Board of Commissioners did unanimously pass a resolution recommending that the new Board of Commissioners deny this project. As Commissioner Lucier stated in the resolution this treated wastewater discharge line poses significant risks to Chatham and the project provides no discernable benefits to Chatham. This resolution was transmitted to Cary officials and it was covered in the next issue of the Chatham News.
These risks include opening the door for additional annexation of county property. The previous board recommended that a state local bill was needed to prevent Cary from annexing into Chatham County without our permission. That bill should require any voluntary or involuntary annexation attempt would have to be agreed to by the municipality to our east and Chatham County before any annexation could be made.
Additionally, the previous board recommended that if the new board wanted to approve such a pipeline, an agreement should be made, which would require WWP to negotiate with the affected property owners without using the power of eminent domain.
At the public hearing last Monday night, despite pressure from representatives of WWP and non-Chatham residents, overwhelmingly, Chatham County citizens urged the current board to deny this request.