The Polluted Loon

THEM v. US

2009-04-20T17:58:00.002-04:00

Have you ever noticed that anytime there is a disagreement it turns into "Them versus Us"? Recently I have been involved in an issue that turned out to be exactly that. I am speaking of the Game Fish Bill that has created a lot of controversy in the Carteret County News Times. The issue and related post can be viewed by going to the CCNT web site and researching; Recreational fishing and net loses, Recreational fishing is a game, and Hooked again.
What started out as a Editorial by the newspaper turned into a heated argument. I got involved when I decided to not accept the lies and accusations thrown at the commercial fishing industry. The reason I did this was to bring balance to the discussion. It was not to make recreational fishermen into culprits, or make commercial fishermen innocent of any wrong doing. Neither was it to prove anyone wrong, although I did offer a chance for anyone to prove me wrong. To date nobody has.
Throughout the life of the articles there was a lot of name calling, insults, false accusations, and team play. This might have gotten a few points across, but has served little other useless purpose. It has served to strengthen discord between both sides. The blame falls on both sides, as both sides refused to follow example by acknowledging their fault and not accepting blame for their contribution to the problem.
The reason I use this example of failed relations is to remind people that we have to communicate better. This very attitude can be linked to many of the problems this web site was created to help solve. There is a constant fight of one side fighting against another for what they want for themselves, without regard to the other sides rights or wants. The details of the arguments are irrelevant to the damage being done by the ones arguing when the argument isn't based on fact, but personal wants instead.
In both the Game Fish Bill and the Beaufort Sewer argument there seems to be a "Them v. Us" attitude that is costing us all dearly. It shouldn't be that way, because it is really "Us v. Ourselves". In both cases we are spending too much time trying to get what we want for ourselves and not enough time doing what is right for the environment and the citizens of our area.
I encourage everyone to speak up and be heard, but be thoughtful in what you say and how you say it. The cause is to save our environment, rights, and resources, not just to win.
Clammerhead

A New Plan

2009-03-17T15:07:00.002-04:00

Hello again, sorry I haven't been on the web site or blog in a while. I have been dealing with some health issues. I am back now ready to go, and I hope you are too.
Our focus will be on finding a better way of doing things and making a plan. We have a preliminary plan that will need some working on. It will have some flaws and need some work. We will need to put our heads together and find a solution. This will take more than just the citizens of Carteret County.
Together we must contact our representatives at all levels. They have insight into how we can make a positive change. Along with knowing our wants and needs, they will also need our ideas to work from.
The basis of the plan we are working on is to create an environment where all aspects of industry, development, and heritage can survive together and complement each other.
The only way we will be able to survive as a community is to band together and realize a common goal. Otherwise we are all condemned to perish as a community.
Together we can and must come up with a new plan. We have started the ball rolling on the Our Voyage page of our web site. We hope to have you send us your ideas.
Clammerhead

Petition Count

2008-09-29T01:30:00.003-04:00

I just took a count of the signatures collected on our petition. We have several different types circulating. They consists of; the online petition, t-shirts, and paper.
ONLINE- 44
T-SHIRTS- 115 ( 11 shirts unavailable for counting at 1:38 am - 9/29/08 )
PAPER- 56
Total- 215
This shows there are a lot of people that are unhappy with the way things are being done. I will update the site on the count when I can get a more complete count.
Clammerhead

Commissioner Pete Allen

2008-09-25T19:39:00.003-04:00

Today I received an e-mail from Mayor Stanley. I returned his e-mail commenting on his interesting statement among other things. As I stated I would do on our Blog and Our Voyage page, I sent both his email and mine to the Beaufort and County Commissioners, the press, and other parties in order to keep everyone on the same page. They were also published on our E-mail page.
This afternoon I received an e-mail from County Commissioner Pete Allen. He stated in his e-mail: " I do not know you Sir and have no earthly interest in your opinions or agenda." He also accused me of harassing him on his personal e-mail.
First I will address the e-mail address issue. The address was on the Carteret County Commissioners web site. If he didn't want anyone to contact him at that address, why did he allow it to be published in such an obvious manner? It was not my intention to contact him at his personal e-mail address. The e-mails had nothing to do with personal issues. They were about issues connected with the Beaufort Sewer System and their impact on the entire County, along with what the County might do to help. However he did call the communications between Mayor Stanley and myself "crap".
Now lets look at the rest of his statement. He said he does not know me and has no earthly interest in my concerns,or agenda. Does this mean we have to be buddies for my opinion to matter? This sounds kind of like "good ole boy" politics to me. Is it because we haven't met or is it because I am from the poor end of the County? It could be because he does not care about anyone's opinion, or it could be one of many other reasons. Only he can answer that one.
How does someone get elected with an attitude like that? I wonder if he displayed the same attitude when he was running for office. I wonder if he will display the same attitude next election.
I must admit though, he didn't jerk me around on this. He let me know he is what some might call a horse's arse. He also made it very clear he doesn't care about people thinking he is a jerk, the opinions of someone he hasn't met or the environment.
Mayor Stanley took the time to contact me today. I have issues with his perception of the situation, but at least he took the time to contact me with respect for my concerns. Commissioner Allen said that was crap. He disrespected Mayor Stanley, me and everyone else that thought he cared.
All of the e-mails mentioned above can be found on the E-mail pages on our web site. www.thepollutedloon.com
Clammerhead

More about the Kinston plant

2008-09-24T23:38:00.003-04:00

Today I received more information on the Kinston Regional Water Reclamation Facility. The Kinston plant has a capacity of 11.85 million gallons per day. They have planted 3 acres of trees to spray a portion of their reclaimed water on. The rest is discharged into the Neuse River. They have purchased more land to plant more trees on and are just waiting on plan approval to begin planting trees and discharging the rest of their water. They hope to be finished by the end of 2009. Their system uses ultraviolet light instead of chemicals, and produces reclaimed water that is actually cleaner than surface water being used before it is treated. Not only is the reclaimed water suitable for class b reuse, it is only a couple of steps from potable quality. At present they could sell the class b water for some uses, and when they are producing potable water it could be sold also.
Their biosolids are currently being applied to farm land. They are hoping to have a feasibility study on composting completed in the near future. The compost and/or class b biosolids can be sold in order to alleviate some of the cost of their system.
The plant took about 6 years from conception to completion, with about 2.5 years of actual construction. The total cost was just under $50,000,000.
Compare this information to the Beaufort Plant in the areas of gallons per day, cost, reuse capabilities, reuse plans, environmental impact, and upgrade possibilities. It seems to me not only did Beaufort make not such a great deal, they did it with money they borrowed in the name of the Citizen of Beaufort, and it looks like they will have to do it again. At least when they bring the plant to full capacity and have to build a new plant to keep up with growth, they have a model to go by. All they will have to do is raise rates, borrow money, and find a river to dump the treated water into. With this in mind; be sure to keep the same people in office that are there now. The have experience at those things and know how to save working time by avoiding annoying citizens with bothersome questions. They make a person proud. Don't you agree.

Clammerhead

NEW INFO

2008-09-23T22:00:00.004-04:00

Today I made a phone call to Chuck Couley, the Superintendent of the Kinston Regional Water Reclamation Facitity. He gave me some information on their new system and their near future plans. From what I gathered, their new system already does a remarkable job. At present they are still discharging into the Neuse River. However, they have already purchased land to plant trees and discharge the water there.
Not only do they have this plan underway, they are also involved with composting their solid waste for fertilizer, heat pellets, and other uses. The trees that they are discharging their reclaimed water on will make a cheap catalyst needed for their composting operation.
All of this is interesting on it's own right, it is even more interesting due to the fact they have been on-line about one month. I guess maybe it seemed like a good idea to someone else other than myself. The Beaufort Commissioners seem to think it will be O.K. to begin to consider land application and reuse at some point after the new plant is on-line.
We will be posting some new info on the Kinston plant in the near future. Please check back. We are still trying to get more photos and more e-mail info up also. Please be patient and bear with us.
Clammerhead

Our Voyage

2008-09-21T00:17:00.004-04:00

Well now, whats a man to do. It's been over a year now and I still don't see a whole lot of positive action in respect to the efforts to fix the problem with the Beaufort sewer system. As I sat and pondered, it came to me. The only thing to do is to spell it out in total detail and no uncertain terms.
Even though I have tried that many times in many ways I will try it again. In an effort to reach the most people possible and keep everyone on the same page, I will be doing this in a very simple manner. We are going to use the OUR VOYAGE link on our web page. This link will contain information that will be sent to anyone and everyone we can think of that may be involved and, or can help.
Let me say this up front as to make no mistake about it; The world will be watching and will judge the actions of the people. This means not just the Beaufort Commissioners, it means EVERYONE. As long as we can be heard, you will be heard of.
In order to bring everyone up to speed it will be necessary to do this in a manner that will make it simple to understand, yet done in great detail. Hopefully this will reduce the amount of repeat questions. It will also make it easier to discuss with someone not familiar to the issue. I will be making these post on a "as can" basis. Please check back regularly.
We have compiled a list of Commissioners, and other Government Officials, publications, television and radio broadcast stations, and environmental groups. They will all get identical e-mails containing the exact same information as will be on the Our Voyage page on our web site.(www.thepollutedloon.com) I encourage everyone to read them, be informed, and take action. It would be less than wise to ignore a chance to gain valuable information. A list of e-mail addresses will be on our web site. Please use them.
The e-mails sent to the newspapers (including this one) can and should be considered letters to the editor even though they may not be addressed as such.
The e-mails sent to the broadcast stations are an invitation to do news reports.
This is going to be a very interesting saga and will make for a continuing coverage story.
The e-mails sent to the many Government Offices and Representatives are a call to task. Don't do what you have to do, do what you can do.
The e-mails sent to the environmental groups are a call for assistance. We are without guidance or funding. At this time the only tools we have are our voices.
The post on our web page will be to make sure everyone knows that the above mentioned have been made aware of the situation. We will also use other pages on our web site to keep everyone informed on who has or has not worked to solve the growing problem.
As for the citizens, keep reading, keep talking, and keep asking.
Although to date nobody has been able to give me a reason (other that cost) that we need to leave things status quo, I still invite all to show me where I am wrong and I will correct the fault or sit down and shut up. Until then, I will keep talking.
The Our Voyage page will be up and e-mails will start going out on Monday 9/22/08.
Clammerhead

This is why

2008-09-17T22:51:00.005-04:00

Did anyone see the Local Edition of Headline News on channel 49 today (9/17/08)?
The report said the Carteret County Commissioners finished their meeting in under an hour due to a lack of items on the agenda. This is very convenient for me. My work has been slow lately and I've been wanting to talk with the Commissioners about a few things.
Let me say congratulations to the new grandpa and family and I wish the best for the baby. It brings me to tears when I look at my children as they sleep. I get out of bed at all hours of the morning and go look at them just to make sure they are alright. No matter how hard I try there is no way I will be able to keep them totally safe. There will always be things out there to harm them. One of a parents worst fears is; when I can no longer take care of them will they be able to take care of themselves?
There are things you can do to prepare them for the dangers. Teach them to be aware of the world around them. Teach them to question everything. Teach them that there are no limits. Teach them to be heard. Teach them to protect and take care of what they have. Teach them to plan for when they will be the one responsible for the future of their children. Teach them to learn from everything and everyone they encounter. Teach them to reason by playing the roles of all sides of an issue. Teach them to respect others and to demand respect for themselves. Teach them to love. There are many more things they need to learn. These are just a few of the most important.
It is real easy to get distracted or lose sight of our goals when we are trying to accomplish so much. There are many choices to almost any particular problem we may face, and at times it is hard to tell which one is best. Often the choices are made more difficult because they are all lacking. Is it better to choose the best of not good enough or the lesser of two evils?
I have written these things to explain the reasons for my efforts to try to save our waters. I love my children. They are taught the way I wrote of. They demand that I teach by example. If they hear but don't see, what have I taught? One day they will teach their children, and they will teach by example for they were taught by example.
Clammerhead

Thank you for listening

2008-09-11T22:58:00.003-04:00

A few days ago I was asked to speak with members of Caretret County Crossroads. I accepted and tonight I met with them and we talked. It was pleasing and I feel it was a productive meeting. There were some very interesting people there with all sorts of knowledge to be shared. I was able to share some ideas and information with them and in turn I was able to gather some also. I didn't know what to expect, however they seemed like just plain people to me. There were some ideas shared that I can agree with and some that I can not. The part that made all the difference was the fact we talked. It was obvious that these people care about the environment. Although there were some issues I would liked to have explored further I understand there are only so many hours in a day(even if you stay after dark). When they told me we would discuss the wastewater and related issues again I felt they meant it. I find this to be in total contrast to the response the Beaufort Commissioners have given me. It may be because the people from Carteret County Crossroads contacted me. With the Commissioners it has been me continuously having to contact them. I first e-mailed them in February, Their first response was in June. Even before I got so emotional at the Sept.8 meeting I had invited them to call me or e-mail me to discuss what is going on with the sewer system and development. It took them until 3 hours before the next meeting to answer 13 simple questions. I have talked to only 2 of them on the phone since Aug 11. They told me they agreed with me and I should press on. I've had minimal contact with some of the others in emails that seem like they are taken strait out of the "Perfect Politician" handbook. Then there are the famous "13 Questions". When they tell you to talk to them and make it so hard to do it leaves one to ponder. I have much more to say and will get back to the blog tomorrow. For now I must get some sleep. Goodnight and thank you for reading.
Clammerhead

Town Meeting # 2

2008-09-08T22:16:00.002-04:00

Late this afternoon I received the so called answers to the 13 questions I asked the Town Board on Aug. 11th. This has to be one of the most feeble attempt at not answering questions I have ever seen in my entire life. With the amount of children I have, that is quite a statement. I was furious that they thought I would settle for such nonsense. When I was allowed to speak at the Town Meeting tonight I couldn't even keep my mind on the statement I had originally planned to make. I don't know what they were, but they defiantly weren't answers. I told the Board Members I thought they were nothing more than an attempt to stall me until they could accomplish whatever it is they are trying to get done, or just something to get me to sit down and shut-up. I also informed them, that isn't going to happen. They were told how disappointed I was in their actions of the past and present. There was much more said, but I'll get to that later. We have posted the response to the now famous "13 questions" on our e-mail page. They were given my cell # and I told them to please call me tomorrow when I wasn't so "emotional" and see if we can't get something accomplished. Likewise I will get back to the blog when I am a little more mellow.
Clammerhead

E-MAILS

2008-09-07T14:52:00.005-04:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that our E-mail page is up now. Please check it out. If you read carefully you can start to notice a trend that appears to be an effort to avoid or stall the answers to my 13 questions. They also show a lack of attention to the issues at hand. For some reason the Commissioners seem to think that I am only interested in stopping the injection of sewage into the rivers. This is a shortsighted view of what I am trying to accomplish. They fail to realize the lower and middle income people of this area are tired of being cut short on development of our area. We can't be put on the bottom of the list when it comes to the issues affecting our children's futures any longer. Of course they don't see it that way. They seem to think they can put us aside as long as they can keep developing. They fail include us in their plans. It seems they believe we will be happy with minimum wage jobs. This is the only type of jobs this type of development will bring and most of the workers doing them won't be locals. Many of these workers wont even speak English. If you doubt this, go to the North River Golf Club and see for yourself. I wonder how many of the Town Commissioners would work for minimum wage or anything near it. I would be willing to wager the answer is none. I have also noticed they seem to think we are only interested in the shellfish areas. Wrong again. It happens that these areas are indicators of damage being done to our waters. They are not unlike the canaries once used in coal mines to detect poisonous gases. I wonder if PETA will come in and save us. Clammers are people too, and should be protected just like anyone else.
Clammerhead

GOOD READING

2008-09-07T02:34:00.003-04:00

I have been busy thinking about stuff again. It has become apparent to me that I just may be getting the stall treatment from the Beaufort Commissioners and a few other people along with them. I could not imagine why. I only asked them to stop putting things in our water that do not belong there, make proper decisions concerning our development and environment, and answer a few questions. It has been almost a month and I see little evidence of any of that happening. First let's look at those questions. (they can be found on our publications page) I have gotten a few replies from different commissioners, but no answers. What I have gotten were vague and opinionated, with little or no association to the questions I had asked. They remind me of the political tactic of throwing the dog a bone so he will quit barking. Question: What's the difference between a dog in the back yard barking and me in the front yard talking? Answer: If you feed the dog he will shut-up.
Now let's look at those other issues like the improvements in the sewer system they want to keep telling me about. Just telling me about the improvements doesn't stop the fact they are still pumping overboard. The holding lagoons are still going too close to Taylors Creek and North River, and I have not heard one bit of response to the moratorium on large developments until an environmental impact study can be done.
Am I wrong in feeling like I am being either ignored or stalled? If I am, why? I hope more people realize it isn't just me being treated that way. In the political arena when a public servant doesn't serve one person, they are not serving anyone. That includes you that read this. Please tell them, me, and everyone you know what is going on.
Clammerhead

Still Waiting

2008-08-28T23:23:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since I have had a chance to blog, so there should be a lot to share. Well there isn't. The Town Commissioners have not given me the answers to my questions yet. The Mayor sent me an email on Aug. 20, saying the Town Manager had been on vacation and was playing catch-up, but she was working on my answers. Commissioner Hollinshed also emailed me on the same day saying she would attempt to give me her views,but she had to check info to be sure to give me correct information. It is Aug. 28, and I am still waiting. I didn't expect to get my questions answered on Aug. 11, but come on folks it has been 17 days. There were only 13 questions. There are 6 of you and the Water Dept. Director. That equals out to less than .77% of each question per day, split seven ways. I guess the questions were more difficult than I thought.
Clammerhead

The Locals

2008-08-19T22:43:00.001-04:00

It comes as no surprise to me that people are beginning to speak out on the development going on in our area with anger. A lot of the locals and the people that moved here alike see development as the death of our slower, more natural way of life. With the reckless way it is being done, they could be all too sadly true. It is necessary to continue developing our area in order to maintain a level of financial security for our citizens. This doesn't mean it has to destroy our environment or a way of life that helped to build this area as a seaport and a "fish town". I still get an occasional comment that we cannot stop development because we need the jobs to feed the local economy. Feeding the local economy consists of more than the fast food restaurants and nightclubs.I'm not saying they don't help the area economy. I am saying that the building and developing should be done by local workers. The material should come through local suppliers. This often isn't the case with larger developments. Along with the finical loss by local businesses there comes the lack of local input into the projects. Often this input can make a big difference in the way these developments are accepted into the area. This only serves to enhance feelings of resentment from the locals. Let's make no mistake, development will not stop. We do have a choice of how it will happen.
Clammerhead

Play nice

2008-08-17T13:29:00.004-04:00

In the best interest of being fair and solving the wastewater problems and related issues I feel it necessary to to speak out on the behavior of one of our bloggers. On a personal note I must say to now_you_have_my_interest, play nice. Although we all find some things humorous that others may not, it is hard enough to get a response from the town board as it is. It is not going to make things any easier if you keep picking on them. There are many things that I would like to have more information on that will require an open line of communication with the board. There are some honorable people on the board that have not earned this type of ridicule and should be treated with respect. To use an old phrase; Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Or in modern terms; Smell the baloney and make sure it's bad before you throw it to the dogs. We need all of the communication we can get and I wish to have you involved with our blog and our effort to accomplish our goal, but please play nice. I have no intentions of editing any comments unless they contain profanity, however we must all maintain a level of respect for both the board and ourselves.
Clammerhead

Calling all board members

2008-08-15T23:06:00.002-04:00

Calling all Board Members! I have invited you all to join with me in getting this issue solved. I was told I would have my questions answered in writing. As of 11:11 pm. Friday, Aug. 15, no answers. This does not surprise me. I am wondering why none of you have been on our Blog to discuss these issues with the public. We would really like to hear from and talk to you in a forum that isn't controlled by a mediator, or other party that may be inclined to interrupt in order to manipulate the direction the discussion will take. Once again I invite all board members to join us in our discussions to find an alternative to dumping any type of waste water into any of our rivers. Your lack of participation may tend to influence the public as to your character. Please don't be offended by my challenges. My whole life I have been told to test everything and express myself. I am just being true to the nature of an American citizen that wants everything in the open to be judged by the people and for the people. Are you of the people?
Clammerhead

It gets easier

2008-08-13T22:48:00.002-04:00

It gets a whole lot easier to understand the answers when you get them. So far I haven't received them. The town board said they would answer my questions in writing. I sure hope they do, although I doubt they will any time soon. It seems mighty strange they have had two days since the town meeting and still no answer. It may be that they were so complicated that they have to call in a research team to examine the questions before a committee could make a final determination on the facts as they were presented to the board on the issues in both their own right and as a consolidated query to establish the validity of the prudent respectfulness of what may or may not be a conclusion as to the facts in respect to the issues previously discussed that were not anticipated before the facts that initiated the undertakings within the boundaries of the parties to which the questions were initially directed not only took place, but were done so with little respect as to whether they would incite a response to the pondering of the group or groups that may or may not be affected by both the actions responsible for the conception of an idea and the inevitable appearance of such query in which a resolution may or may not be required before allowing the actions which inspired the fore mentioned questions to take place. Now that they know that I can spell big words, maybe they will also understand that I can put them together in such a way they make absolutely no sense at all, just like a real politician can do and simply answer the questions. They aren't that difficult unless you are afraid of them. Clammerhead

TWIST

2008-08-13T00:29:00.003-04:00

TWIST stands for "The Way I See Things". TWIST the only way to stop this problem from getting worse is to keep expressing our viewpoint, and reminding other people especially the ones in office this is wrong and has to stop. I GREATLY appreciate your opinions as you have stated them. Even more-so I appreciate the fact you and others are speaking out. I am only Clammerhead. YOU are The Polluted Loon. I am pleased to meet you.

Clammerhead

What State does Art live in?

2008-08-12T22:43:00.002-04:00

At the Town Meeting Monday night, among other things I was assured that the new sewer plant is "state of the art". Just what State does Art live in that thinks it's a good idea to pump any amount of waste water into the creeks and rivers? I have tried to find a reason to believe that this is "state of the art" technology. So far I only find it to be a quick way to spend 18,000,000 dollars(that's a lot of zero's) to pollute our rivers. I always thought "state of the art" meant the best available, or equal to it. Obviously I was mistaken. I have been educated. Now I understand it means; it's better than what you now have, yet it is still far below what you really need and we are still going to pollute your waters, and it only cost you $.18,000,000 (still a lot of zero's no matter how many times you say it). To the ones that tried to convince myself and others with this state of the art concept and numbers dance Monday night; OOPS! Try again. We don't buy it. To us "State of the art" means that Beaufort is going to stop dumping ANY waste water into ANY of our waters! This means now, and not in 2,5, 10, or 20 years. NOW! Quick thought. If someone aims a gun at another person and a police officer sees this, then draws his weapon and yells "Stop and drop it now", how many times should the officer have to yell this before he protects the victim? Now, for example lets say that the waters of this area are the victims, Beaufort's Town Commissioners are the the assailant, the Beaufort Sewer System is the weapon, and The Polluted Loon is the Police Officer. What should we do to stop the death of our waters? NEWS FLASH!!!!! Monday night was a "warning shot". I don't think there will be another.
Clammerhead
PS I eagerly await the answers (in writing) the board said they would give me.

9 T-shirts

2008-08-11T22:23:00.003-04:00

I went to the Beaufort Town Meeting today with 9 people wearing t-shirts with our organizations name on them, along with our web address. They are actually petitions, some of them with signatures, some without. I feel they will all be full soon. The meeting was in session for a short amount of time when they told me I could speak about the issues on my mind, and I did just that. I read the first part of a statement I had prepared, then began reading down a short list of questions that many people have led me to ask. Before I got to the end of the list (13 questions) I was cut short by the Beaufort Mayor, the head of the Beaufort Water and Sewer Dept., and a rep. of Rivers & Assoc. They explained to a poor old country boy with an IQ slightly above Albert Einstein's, how they were going to reduce the amount of bacteria from 200 parts, to app. 70 parts per measured unit of volume,while increasing their output by more than 3 times their present rate by volume, thus discharging cleaner water on a per day rate. It was also mentioned that at this rate , the area closed to shellfishermen may be able to re-open someday. They also explained that the shoals and marsh creeks behind Carrott Island had shoaled up to a much lesser depth not allowing the possible contaminates to disperse as quickly. Then the Mayor assured me they would answer my questions in writing. At that point I realized I had over stayed my welcome, left them with a copy of the rest of my statement and questions, thanked them for their time and left. I have spent the last 42 years operating boats through those channels and creeks. They have not shallowed that much except for the mouth of the creek that controls the volume going in, not the volume going out of those creeks. I have a working knowledge of numbers to the level I seldom need a calculator, and their math makes me confused.( and they only used a few of the 10 digits they had to work with.) I did not feel I had their interest or ever would. I did feel like someone wanted to get me out of there before they had to answer the questions their answers had inspired. Maybe this feeling will change when they answer my original questions. I'll keep you in touch.
Clammerhead

I went looking today

2008-08-02T22:06:00.004-04:00

I went looking around the Front St. area today, just to see what might catch my eye. On my journey I noticed that there were 5 or more sewer pumping stations on Front Street alone. Almost every one of them have"closed shellfishing" signs near them. The discharge pipe about midway of Front Street has a sign hiding behind a cedar tree that states swimming in that area could be harmful due to possible bacteria from human and animal waste (poop). Keep in mind Front Street runs along Taylor's Creek for most of its length of about 3.5 miles. Taylor's Creek is approx. 200 yards wide and 25 ft. deep on average, and bordered on the north side by the town of Beaufort,the south side by Carrot Island with one main breach of a natural creek about midway then more open water, then Shackelford Banks, then the Atlantic Ocean. It is open on the east and west ends. The currents in this area all run about the same speed, and in such a manner that at certain times of the tide the water will be going in different directions. The small creek that cuts through Carrot Island is about 10 yards wide 6 ft. deep and shallows up quickly, so the logical conclusion would be that any bacteria or pollution would carry its way primarily down Taylor's Creek, while at a slower rate through the small creek. This leaves me with a few questions. Why is there only one " no swimming " sign on Front Street, yet there are at least 5 "no shellfishing" signs on the same creek? Why is that one sign hiding behind a cedar tree with only private access, and there aren't any "no swimming" signs at the 4 0r more public access areas on the same creek? Are the bacteria that affect shellfish different from the ones that are harmful to swim in? Why did the closing of 427 acre of shellfishing bottom come at the same time Beaufort was trying to get a permit to expand their sewer system? For the last question on this blog entry, why do I feel violated, bamboozled, and thrown to the way-side? Clammerhead

I'm back

2008-07-26T00:21:00.002-04:00

It's Friday, July 25th. There has been a lot of action on our web site since it was first published, and we hope for even more. We have had many visits but, only a few comments. It makes me wonder if there is a problem with our email links, and/or blog link. We have been working on the site for some time now and we still have a long way to go, so please be patient with us and keep checking back for updates. We encourage you to comment on the issues affecting the environment and help us to find a better way to develop our area. I noticed there were no letters to the editor about the sewer system. There was a letter about "trading" the end of Front Street for a couple of small lots next to the tennis courts. I have to question who that helps the most, the developer at the end of the street or the PEOPLE of Beaufort. If the objective is to increase parking, and safety why not move the tennis courts to the school area as proposed and turn that area into parking. The lots that are for sale to the developer should also be for sale to the town. Then turn Front Street through there, as planned and retain the property already owned by the town along with any right of way that goes with it. It may be that those lots have already been sold to someone with reason to believe the trade would be made. I wonder if the whole end of Lennoxville will become one private community and the boat ramp/park along with it. At least the people at Atlantic Veneer will have a place to work when they are bought out. Clammerhead.

Welcome to your chance to be heard

2008-07-23T23:06:00.000-04:00

This blog was created for the people that are tired of being ignored. It is very frustrating to have a idea that nobody wants to know about, or a view nobody cares about. When I first started to seek a way to fix the problems that keep closing shellfish bottom I had a hard time getting anyone to listen to the things I had to say. I still find this to be true, although I have been making progress in that area. One way is to use the internet as a highway for all to express their thoughts on the ever increasing loss of shellfish bottom, polluting of our waters, and the reckless design by our elected officials. If you have something to say about these matters or any issue that is related to them, I am asking you to PLEASE use this blog to do so. If you wish to keep your name unknown feel free to do so. Please join me in my effort to correct a problem that has been left with us just as we will leave it with our grandchildren if we don't fix it. In the future I will be saying "we" quite often, instead of I. When I talk about "we" I will be meaning my wife Chris, who has stood by me in my efforts from the start. Without her tireless efforts, I could not have gotten this far. The rest of the time I will be talking about you and I. I brought my part of we, did you bring yours? Now, what you got to say about that? Clammerhead