Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, January 2, 1993 TAG: 9301040265
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-11 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
GOSHEN CAN HAVE IT BOTH WAYS
SHOULD THE Maury River between Goshen Pass and Rockbridge Baths be conferred "Exceptional Resource Water" status? Yes, I believe it should. Should the town of Goshen be allowed to grow? Again, yes it should. How can these two seemingly conflicting goals both be achieved?One solution that would satisfy both sides is to use an innovative wastewater-treatment technology - one that does not discharge into a waterway such as the scenic Maury. There are already several systems like this in Virginia; at Boones Mill and Gordonsville, for example. Instead of being discharged, the treated wastewater either is allowed to percolate into the ground or is used as irrigation water for nonfood crops.
Since the timber and wood-processing industry is already present in Goshen, they could readily use this water for many purposes. This "problem-turned-resource" could also attract new industry that has need for process water of this quality. I should also mention that there are treatment processes that can produce water that is almost of drinking quality and would have a negligible effect when discharged.
The Federal Water Pollution Prevention and Control Act (Clean Water Act) makes provisions for "programs to demonstrate new or significantly improved water pollution control practices, methods, technologies or processes." There are also provisions for grants and loans to install such treatment.
The federal act will probably come up for re-authorization in 1993 and, with the environmentally-minded Clinton-Gore administration at the helm, it is likely to be further strengthened. Given these statements, I believe it is possible for small, developing towns to flourish while protecting our irreplaceable natural resources. RICHARD B. OBENSHAIN BUENA VISTA