THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 24, 1994 TAG: 9411220160
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
Whatever else critics of the $100-million coal-storage yard planned near Windsor may believe, they surely don't think further study is needed. Every element of the project has been analyzed, and still the Army Corps of Engineers is convinced that it could be put - safely - in the rural area.
That's good news, for Isle of Wight County, which needs business and industrial growth to accommodate an influx of residents; for Hampton Roads, which jealously guards its role as a premier port; for the United States, as a means of reducing the trade deficit; and, of course, for Norfolk Southern Corp., which wants to make more money by increasing coal exports.
That is not to say the industry will not have drawbacks. At its best - and Norfolk Southern pledges to use the best technology and methods to be a good neighbor - coal storage is not pollution-free. Few industries are.
The issue, then, is whether the activity can be carried out safely and with minimal damage to its surroundings. That's what all the years of study have been about, and the conclusion is that Norfolk Southern can build a facility compatible with its setting.
For too many years, environmental agencies barred development because of possible destruction of wetlands or possible presence of endangered species. While ignoring environmental concerns would be foolhardy, neither does it make sense not to consider ways to mitigate damage and enable economic growth.
That's why so many business and government leaders have argued for cost-benefit considerations. In this instance, benefits of local jobs and tax income for the county seem to exceed the drawbacks.
THE ARMY CORPS does address mitigation, but not all wetland and wildlife losses can be completely compensated. It's a matter of losses and gains - determined by scientific measurers, not mere guesses.
Norfolk Southern's design incorporates safeguards against air, water and noise pollution. The company has the record of a good corporate neighbor, and Isle of Wight residents can expect no less.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which objected to the facility because it would damage wetlands and wildlife, will have the opportunity to respond to the Army Corps report. If their concerns are assuaged, the construction go-ahead could come within 30 days.
No other step of this project has been so simple, so that's probably wishful thinking. Once the Army Corps grants a final permit, the next major step is seeking approval from the State Board of Water Control.
Local opponents, including Citizens Against the Coal Facility, are disappointed by the Corps' preliminary approval. The Corps was determined to approve all along, some argue - even though the agency stands to neither gain nor lose by approval or disapproval.
No number of reports is likely to convince opponents of the project's desirability, but it's to everyone's benefit that they've been so persistent in their questioning. Now it's time to move to the next step.
Comment? Call the editor at 446-2494.
KEYWORDS: NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP. COAL STORAGE
by CNB