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New River Proposed Water Intake Plant Is it Necessary? • What Would the Effects Be? • What Other Options are Available? • How Are These Decisions Being Made? Boone, NC proposal: Build water intake plant on New River on the Watauga Co./Ashe Co. line near Todd, take up to 4+ million additional gallons of water/day (mgd) from this American Heritage River for Boone's growing needs, replace with their treated waste water (incl. untreated waste pharmaceuticals). Questions raised re environmental, economic, recreational, historic and cultural impacts. Many in Ashe Co., Boone and other areas (including VA) are opposed, have signed petitions. Statewide media reporting issue. 1. Boone's Water Needs. Need for new intake based on projected doubling of Boone's population in next 50 yrs. Boone currently authorized to draw up to 3 million gallons water/day (mgd). Their average 2008 daily demand: 1.85 mgd, 62 % capacity (2008 maximum demand: 2.73 mgd, 71% capacity.) Objection: Such a large additional capacity intake (4 mgd) is not necessary based on current demand; future demands are conjecture. DENR calls this an "over-sized intake in anticipation of future demand." Says Boone needs to justify "the need for a new 4 mgd intake for a total, cumulative withdrawal capacity of 7 mgd in light of an anticipated 2030 average day demand of 2.75 mgd." 2. Water Flow and Quantity. Boone cites a flow of 62 mgd for the New River. However, this is not the flow at intake site, which is half that (33 mgd). Recent droughts: at intake site, water often ankle deep, so low kayakers can't pass. River flow at Boone's (sewage) site is only 6.13 mgd, too low for additional 4 mgd intake. Boone's plan: take water 26 miles downstream, at Ashe County border, pump back to Boone, so they can legally drain maximum from river just before it enters Ashe County. 3. Wastewater contaminants. We're exposed to many household items, cleaning and sterilizing solutions, cosmetics, drugs. Our bodies absorb, eliminate into the common waste stream. They often elude removal, are released from sewage plants to streams, rivers. Many have been shown to have adverse effects on humans and aquatic wildlife, incl.possibilities of cancer, systemic immune, reproductive effects. 4. Historic, Cultural Aspects. New River designated protected American Heritage River, Wild and Scenic River. Millions of years old, remnant of largest prehistoric Teays River system, source near Blowing Rock, flows North. Requires our protection, just as we don't alter valuable historic buildings, landmarks, natural wonders (e.g. Grand Canyon). 5. Economic Impact. New River is jewel of Ashe County, prime natural resource, enhancing land and property values, tourism and recreation. "Canoeing the New" not the same as canoeing Boone's treated waste water. Plant would have negative economic impact on Ashe County. Boone's gain; Ashe Co.'s loss. 6. Boone's Growth. Smart Growth? Boone projects population doubling in next 50 yrs. "Smart Growth" plan doesn't involve water availability as viability factor. "Stakeholder collaboration" involves developers more than residents, those outside town limits. Plans of future sprawl SE towards Deep Gap? Plans need to be transparent; public needs to be involved in decisions about future; growth needs to be truly smart. 7. Has Process Been Transparent? Boone's $25 mil. Bond Referendum for financing for increased water sources (not authorizing New River intake specifically) passed before public knew facts. Boone needs to make public, clear their plans, connections with ASU and Blowing Rock. Ashe Co. hasn't been represented in River project. Commissioners not consulted/informed. Rep. Tarleton and Sen. Goss not

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representing Ashe's interests: helped secure funding for site land; Tarleton passed House Bill in support of project. 8. Alternative Options. Boone cites 26 other options considered, but doesn't specify which. NCWRC claims Boone sharing water with ASU and Blowing Rock may preclude need for new intake. What about groundwater/aquifers? Stringent (mandatory) conservation? Watauga River? (in Boone). WK Dickson, choosing current plan as "closest and cheapest", would profit by building new plant. Conflict of interest? 9. Other Riparian Owner Rights. All those holding land next to river have equal rights for its "reasonable use."Does Boone's plan illegally interfere with those rights? (altering water quantity, quality) 10. Submerged Land. Public Trust Issues. New River is held in Public Trust. Does Boone's plan to lay pipe along in River interfere with private landowner's riparian rights? (rights of landowners bordering river). 11. Decreased Water Levels: Riparian Damage. Lower river water levels harm aquatic life, ecology. 12. Hellbender Salamander, Endangered Species. Local rare, endangered species threatened by plant.