SAMPLE
LANGUAGE FOR LETTERS TO FERC/CONGRESSMAN/SENATORS
Key Points to Remember:
FERC can only regulate the Project
lands (buffer zone) between the Non-Project lands and the water.
The depth of the buffer zone varies (200-500 ft). Under the current
license issued 2003, the project lands surrounding Lake Victoria
& Bond Flowage were set aside by FERC for public use and
protection IN EXCHANGE for allowing UPPCO to use public water
for power generation and profits.
The Draft Environmental Impact
Statement (DEIS) dated December 2001, states on page 172 "…because
UPPCO does not propose significant development near the reservoirs…"
In addition to the developer's
plans for non-project lands, UPPCO and Naterra are also planning
activities (conveyances) within the project boundaries:
Trails across lands to private lighted docks
Roads
Stairs leading to the water
Power lines and/or trenching
Private & common docks with multiple slips
These are NOT "consistent
with the purposes of protecting and enhancing the scenic, recreational
and other environmental values of the project" (Article
442, Order Approving Settlement & Issuing New License, 08/20/03).
Restrictions to fishing (no fishing
within 100 ft piers, basically eliminating shore line fishing)
Restrictions to hunting (no hunting within 450 ft of occupied
dwellings)
The timber base suffers from fragmentation as more land is removed
from production for the
purpose of development
Invasive species likely to increase
Nesting areas for ground birds can be affected by human activity
Nest predators (raccoons, skunks) often increase with development
Runoff from lawns can harm water quality & affect aquatic
life
Fragmentation may impact ATV and snowmobile trail easements
Loss of aesthetic values
Urge FERC not to approve these
conveyances and invalidate any agreements already signed until
there is a new public comment period with public hearings.
If you need some help writing
a letter, check out these sample letters and alter them to suit
your needs.
In addition to sending letters
to FERC and your local representatives, Letters to the Editor
can be submitted to the newspapers listed below. Be sure to furnish
your phone number, most papers verify that you are the person
who submitted the letter. |
