Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 16, 1993 TAG: 9302160329
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
AVOID OTHERS' MISTAKES
UNFORTUNATELY, the Roanoke Valley has taken the brunt of a large number of job losses. My heart goes out to those who have been affected by these layoffs. But in an attempt to attract new business and industry to our area, I hope the environmental good health of our valley will be considered along with its economic well-being.Because this area is located in a valley and along natural waterways, it is presented with special challenges. Already, the problem of high-ozone concentration is present in our air. The Roanoke River and its tributaries have shown evidence of some pollution.
Looking at the mistakes made by others can often help us avoid the same or similar pitfalls. For example, Kimstan Landfill in Alleghany County was shut down by the state because of extensive pollution to the Jackson River.
Dioxin in the effluence from Westvaco forced the state to send warnings to pregnant women not to eat fish caught in the Jackson River. As far downstream as 86 miles from the paper mill, fishermen were warned that the waters and fish were polluted.
Closer to home, Weblite and Tarmac in Botetourt County blatantly violated regulations set by the Virginia Department of Air Control. Still, significant quantities of toxic pollutants spew into the air.
In West Salem, remnants of an old tannery turned up evidence of severe pollution to the surface water and sediment in the Roanoke River. The Department of Waste Management has assigned the site a "hazard-ranking" score.
There are other examples of how industry and business have either unknowingly or thoughtlessly defiled this very special area.
Keep in mind that the following industries are the greatest polluters: paint, pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing, and solid-waste incinerators (the latter producing organic toxins and heavy metals). Look up the adverse effects of exposure to sulfur dioxide, dioxins and furans, Touene, acitone, vinyl chloride, formaldehyde, lead and mercury. Become aware of the abuse these agents inflict upon our bodies as well as our environment.
I believe that we must not only consider the needs of our present generation but also the quality of life of future generations. How great it would be to see a group of foresighted, informed citizens organize with the purpose of bringing intelligent pressure upon those who would lure new business and industry to our area. BETTY NORTH ROANOKE