Local, State, and Federal Officials in Ohio & West Virginia:
Dare we mention the word “dredge”?
We realize the term has a dirty definition to environmentalists, and we do appreciate how much cleaner our local waterways are these days thanks to stringent regulation, but this issue isn’t about pollution. It’s about flow, and that’s why we can’t help but suggest this valley’s streams, creeks – and hillside flow ways – need some overdue eyes-on maintenance and, we’re thinking in many cases, some serious scooping.
And, yes, that means dredging, and Marshall County Commissioner David McLaughlin agreed this week on River Talk radio.
“It would be great if we could get the permission to do some dredging, but anymore, there’s an impossible process you have to go through,” explained the Commissioner, who is also the director of operations for the City of Benwood. “And most of the time, you get rejected anyway.”
The same goes, McLaughlin explained, when extensive clearing of the creeks of all vegetative and man-made debris is suggested. Sure, we know about the importance of fresh-water mussels and those Indiana bats, but people on both sides of the Ohio River have to be protected, too. Right?
Let’s be clear: No one is trying to upset anyone.
We – Republicans, Democrats, and Independents – are simply searching for answers, and if dredging and clearing debris from creeks is stream are not solutions, then what are? Additional drainage systems with larger culverts, more catch basins, and bioswales?
Maybe all of the above?
Let’s have that conversation, and let’s leave political division at the door.
Sincerely,
Sad and Soggy
(Cover photo by Buck Porter)
