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OPINIONS
Carole Boster: All Huntington residents will pay for damage from the proposed barge facility
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has once again received an application for the mooring and cleaning of 200 barges along the riverbank of the Westmoreland section of Huntington. As a resident of Westmoreland, I am concerned about the noise, air pollution and illumination that such an industrial business would create in our quiet neighborhood.
There are also many reasons that this barge facility should concern all Huntington residents. The waste treatment plant for the city is located in Westmoreland. Jack Klim, member of the Sanitary Board, was recently quoted in The Herald-Dispatch as saying that the Board has a $54.5 million plan that includes nearly doubling the size of the treatment plant and upgrading the pump stations. In 1990, the EPA mandated that Huntington take action to comply with the Clean Water Act. Our system, as it is, allows millions of gallons of untreated water to flow into streams, rivers, basements and city streets. Our fees will be raised to correct this situation. We have no choice.
The barge mooring and cleaning facility that Huntington Marine proposes begins at the waste treatment plant. There are discharge pipes at the plant that are 54 inches in diameter, extending 55 feet into the river. The Westmoreland area also has four pump stations that handle 21/2 times the flow of water present in dry conditions. Fifty-four and a half million dollars will be a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of repairing damage to the existing facilities.
We also have the issue of ingress and egress from the riverbank across the levy as per the lease agreement the city signed. This gives Huntington Marine the authority to have roads via the established levee onto the nearest public street.
Westmoreland residents will pay in the quality of life due to the noise, air pollution, and illumination from the barge facility if it is approved. All residents will pay for the repair and replacement of the waste treatment plant, discharge pipes, pump stations, and damage to public streets.
Carole Boster is a Westmoreland resident.
