Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2013 11:07:04 -0500
From: Randolph Voller
Subject: Water/Fracking/Concerns
The Town of Pittsboro took a leadership role in March of 2012 to take a stand regarding “fracking” and subsequently amended its zoning ordinance to require a special use permit (which requires a quasi-judicial hearing) for any such activity within its jurisdiction and recently incorporated the Jordan Lake rules into its ordinances.
Personally, I oppose fracking in NC and do not see it as a viable economic activity nor a reasonable risk to take given its potential for impacting our water and transportation infrastructure in our region.
The only way to shut the door on fracking in North Carolina is to lobby the general assembly and the Governor to oppose the practice in North Carolina. If this fails than we need to elect representatives statewide who oppose fracking in North Carolina.
Regarding Chatham Park, their principals are opposed to fracking on and under their land and will convey the mineral rights to the buyers of their properties. (BTW, the ownership of mineral rights, in the Deep River area are murky in many cases and the title issues go back to the 19th Century.)
Regarding water, the Town is actively engaged in the Jordan Lake Partnership, which seeks a long term solution for the region for potable water. When they (JLP) last presented updates to the Town I personally questioned them regarding Jordan Lake, water quality and the risks of fracking in our region to our water supply and quality.
Finally, please note the communication below from the Town’s manager, Bryan Gruesbeck, regarding the town’s water and discharge at the WWTP:
“Our most recent water quality tests indicate that we are within allowable levels of monitored substances. Most recently, we received excellent results of our tests of TTHM’s – which I understand has been a problem for the Town in years past. Likewise, our WWTP has been performing well in all areas of its operations – discharge, sludge application and cost controls. All of this is due to excellent leadership at both plants – frankly, Mr Heard, Mr. Pickett and Mr Poteat know what they’re doing – as well as the BoC’s commitment to making improvements at both facilities in recent years.”
During my eight years on the Town Board, improving these operation and making investments in the human capital and the infrastructure has been a hallmark for the Town and its staff. Pittsboro, like all municipalities, is by no means perfect, but rather a continuous work in progress and the Town has made it a policy to improve and invest in its water, sewer, and reuse water operations.
Happy Holidays,
Hon. Randolph S. Voller
Pittsboro, NC 27312
919.949.1274