The following is a letter I sent to Mr. Daniel Powell, CAO of Somerset County requesting to be placed on their September 4th Agenda:
Mr. Daniel Powell, CAO August 17th, 2007
Somerset County, Maryland
Dear Mr. Powell:
I have asked to be place on the September 4th agenda so that I may address some concerns that I have with the proposed Ethanol Fuel Refinery in southern Somerset County.
When we first spoke with Chesapeake Renewable Energy in the fall of 2006, the water needs of the plant were discussed and we were assured that their draw (stated to be 200,000 gallons per day) would not be taken from the Pocomoke Aquifer (our municipal source). We were also assured that we would be involved in future discussion regarding this proposed plant.
This makes sense, as it is located a very short distance from our city. Other than a discussion concerning the off loading of corn from the river, we have had no discussions with the owners. We have not been included in your discussions, as well, prior to your approval being granted for the plant construction. This is of great concern.
First, I am concerned about the protection of the Pocomoke Aquifer as it relates to the well being the water source for our city of 5000 residents, and thousands of others who have individual well systems in our area. The MDE Permit Application indicates they wish to draw up to a million gallons per day from the Patapsco Aquifer. The application further indicates a desire for the Pocomoke Aquifer to be a secondary source for the proposed plant. Since it is highly unlikely that they will achieve a flow rate from the Patapsco relative to their demands, I have no doubt the Pocomoke Aquifer will come into immediate usage.
We have been diligent to apply smart growth standards and have limited our growth areas to comply with the concerns of the State of Maryland, Worcester County, and the wishes of our residents. This includes managed growth practices and the security of our water recharge areas in support of the available supply of water necessary for the continued growth and prosperity of our city. It is projected that our water needs will increase 50 to 100% over the next 12 years relative to economic prosperity and development. I want to insure that our needs will not be limited by one large, industrial user.
Second, I am concerned that you elected not to contact my Fire Chief to allow our Fire Company to participate in the process of evaluating the fire suppression needs of this refinery. While I understand you may have consulted with Princess Anne, they are not the ones charged with protecting the proposed facility. There may be additional equipment that we would want to see provided by the owners for our company to insure the safety of our firemen and the overall aspects that affect the public safety of our community.
Third, you have not spoken with us concerning the affects this plant may have on our community relative to the potential evacuation process posed by the inherent dangers of this industry. A fire and explosion on site are one thing, but toxic fumes from such a fire are quite another. Most of these plants around the country have a 2.5 mile radius evacuation plan implemented along with an additional 2.5 miles of “Shelter Inside” plans in place. None of this has been discussed with Pocomoke City or Worcester County.
We want to be a good neighbor. We desire the jobs which are created through industrial development. However, we do not want to sacrifice or otherwise limit our future growth and development potential by failing to examine all of the factors involved with this type of industry.
The health and safety of our citizens and our environment is of paramount importance as I’m sure you would agree, and there are many issues that need to be addressed before we embrace this proposed facility. I look forward to discussing this with the Commissioners on September 4th.
Very Sincerely,
Michael A. McDermott, Mayor
Pocomoke City, Maryland
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4 comments:
Mr Mayor:
This is an excellent position you are taking to watch out for the people of Pocomoke City.
The ethanol plant seems to be just one more "bogie" and its a lot of bull being used to suck federal money while helping farm land speculators.
In some parts of the country these bogus ethanol scams have raised the value of farmland by over 100% in less than 2-years.
Millions are being made by futures speculators playing the corn and grains market.
This mesage should be on the front page of the Tattler.
Believe it or not we are behind you 100%!
Sincerely,
Billy Burle
Billy,
Please feel free to post on your site as well.
Mr. Mayor:
Your published letter to Mr. Powell is inflammatory and contains many misrepresentations of the facts. Your obvious grandstanding on the water issue may serve you well politically, but hopefully will ultimately be viewed by your citizens as an issue you have created where none existed. The Project Manager for the ethanol plant has stated publicly (and to you directly) that Cheasapeake Renewable Energy will do nothing to create water issues for others, including Pocomoke City. The water permits applied for are to determine what water might be safely available from the Pocomoke and Patapsco Aquifers. When that is determined, the Maryland Department of Environment will issue an appropriate water withdrawal permit. The water doesn't belong to you anymore than it does Somerset County. They have the right to use it, if available, to support their economic future, just like you want to do in Pocomoke City. Despite all of your pronouncements about the shortage of water from the Pocomoke Aquifer and the unlikely availability of water from the Patapsco Aquifer, you have provided no data or study of any kind to support your statements. Maybe that's why MDE makes these decision for everyone.
We would be pleased to receive another invitation to meet with the Pocomoke City Council, as we first did on April 3, 2006. By the way, the ethanol plant is a distillery (think corn liquor), not a refinery.
I am only stating what has been relayed to me by the MDE. You have not been up front with the city and mistated your case to us last fall.
If you do not think we have a right to be concerned over your proposed plant operations and your massive use of the people's water, you are wrong and misinformed. You have only to look to the northern areas of Somerset County and see by example what we wish to avoid in Pocomoke City.
Reassurances from a company that is in the business of making money matter little. I would like to see completed studies of our aquifer prior to you tapping into it as your "secondary" source well.
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