Therefore, the ODMR must delay a decision on permit #7 until all
such research has been done and all requested information has been
collected. Further, the team must fully reconsider the impacts
in light
of the truth that a portion of the proposed mine is in the direct
watershed of the largest patch of ancient forest in Dysart Woods.
The report states, "The portion of the watershed that lies within
the Ohio University's buffer zone that is proposed to be undermined
is a
separate sub-basin than the Dysart Woods watershed area and does not
flow
through the Dysart Woods property." (page 11)
In fact, a portion of permit #7 is within the direct watershed
of
the largest area of virgin forest in Dysart Woods. Only
some of permit
#7 is in a sub-basin within the same watershed, that still is integrally
connected to the health of Dysart Woods. Further, even using
the
coal-company biased data in the report, the permit #7 impact of 1,900
feet
plunges thousands of feet deep into the direct watershed of some of
the
last ancient forest left in Ohio.
This information is based upon Ohio University's watershed buffer
zone map submitted on July 9 by OU-hired attorney David Northrop.
It is
irrefutable and I challenge anyone who disagrees to look at a map together
in front of the media as an objective force.
The report states, "Because discrepancies between field survey
data and soil survey information exist, Soil and Water Conservation
staff
suggest that a detailed class 1 soil survey be performed on Dysart
Woods"
(page 11-12). Further, the report states that potentiometric
surface maps
for the different aquifers, more frequent water level measurements
and
test wells on the Dysart property would help determine the impacts
of
permit #7 on Dysart Woods.
Further, Dysart Woods is exceptionally dependent upon the perched
aquifers that are throughout the portion of ancient forest within a
few
thousand feet of permit #7, and within the 1,900 ft. impact zone stated
in
this report.
OU Graduate Student Chad Kister and concerned citizens from around
Ohio will submit thousands of letters to Governor George Voinovich
Monday
November 24 at 11 a.m. in his office on the 33rd floor, Riffe Center,
Columbus, Ohio. Citizens are encouraged to contact: ougreens@frognet.net
or Chris Crews or Dan Foor at: 614-662-4029 to get on the contact list
to
save Dysart Woods.