Save the New River

Boone is preparing to tap the nearby New River for its burgeoning water needs, but stewarding the historic river requires a broader perspective.

Boone's proposed water intake plant on the Watauga/Ashe County line near Todd would divert up to 4 1/2 million gallons of water a day from the New River, replacing it with treated waste water. Waste pharmaceuticals would be left untreated in the water returned to the New River. However simply ensuring that treated water returned to the river is not polluted is not sufficient. Other considerations beyond environmental impact should also be considered.

The New River is an historic treasure and has a protected status as an original American Heritage River. It is millions of years old, the remaining tributary of the prehistoric Teays River, which was larger than the Mississippi. The oldest river in North America, it is also one of the earliest in the world.

The mission of Executive Order 13061 establishing the American Heritage Rivers is to "protect the economic, cultural and historic value of our rivers." The Order clarifies, "[O]ne community… [should] not adversely affect neighboring communities." Boone's proposed water intake plant would have a negative impact on the economic, cultural and historic value of the river, adversely affecting Ashe County downstream.

The New River is the jewel of Ashe County. Visitors come to kayak on its waters, admiring its scenic beauty and world-class status. This historic treasure should be preserved as close to its original state as possible, as when historic buildings are preserved, care is taken to carefully maintain their original structure and materials.

Degrading the New River's historic status would have a negative economic impact on Ashe County's prized resource. In this event, Ashe County should be compensated for its economic loss. When Boone considers this value depreciation as part of the proposed water intake plant cost and not as an economic "externality," other options such as drawing water from man-made Lake Watauga or the Yadkin River (two of the other initial 27 options Boone considered) become more economically viable. The New River is no longer the 'closest and cheapest' water supply for Boone, the rationale cited for choosing the New River above other available options. ("the best site from a proximity and economic standpoint," Greg Young, Boone Town Manager, August 7, 2008 public letter).

The proposed Todd plant would tap the New River very near one of its two sources. The South Fork originates near Blowing Rock, flowing northwards through Virginia into the Ohio River, merging with the Mississippi and eventually flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. Replacing the original, natural water of the New River with treated waste water near its source would affect all communities downstream for thousands of miles.

As the recent TVA coal disaster near Kingston, Tennessee has demonstrated, lack of foresight and neglect can have devastating consequences. An ancient treasure 300 million years in the making may be damaged unalterably in a moment, affecting future generations. As stewards of the land, we should prevent danger before it arises.

The Ashe County Commissioners have largely not been consulted or informed in the ongoing decision-making process. According to reports, when Boone originally approached the Commissioners one to two years ago, they clearly voiced their opposition to the proposed plant. Boone subsequently basically proceeded unilaterally without consulting with or informing the Ashe County government.

The proposed plant directly affects Ashe County's residents, including their property and land values. There is strong opposition in Ashe County to the proposal. A New River Stewardship Committee has been formed for the preservation of the river: http://newriverstewards.blogspot.com.

Boone's burgeoning growth has led to traffic and parking congestion as well as water shortages. Growth is natural and desirable, but should be smart. Unplanned, unrestricted growth, while enticing in the short run with promises of increased revenue, is counterproductive. It kills the goose that lays the golden egg, ultimately devaluing the unspoiled land people are drawn to for its beauty and charm. Long range appreciation in value is sacrificed for short term revenue. For Boone as well as Ashe County, responsible development is the key.

Boone is 200 years old. The New River is millions of years old. We should widen our perspective. According to legend, in important decisions, the Native Americans elders considered the effects for seven generations forward. The wisdom of the ages reflected in the timeless New River should guide our stewardship of one of the Earth's most precious resources, preserving its value for future generations.

On Tuesday, June 23, 2009, 6-9 pm, the Boone Town Council and Ashe County Commissioners will host a joint public meeting at Westwood Elementary School, Route 221, West Jefferson, with an open forum, Town Hall format, to discuss the proposed water intake plant. All those concerned with the future of the New River are encouraged to come, ask questions and express your views.