NEWS
Cane Greek issue rages
as impact study discussed
By BOB KIMPLETON
Staff Writer
Another round in the proposed Cane Creek
Reservoir controversy ended Tuesday when
the state Division of Environmental Manage
ment received final responses to its draft
version of an environmental impact state
ment on the project.
The comments will be used by the division
in preparing the final version of the EIS, to be
released in about 90 days. The final EIS will
be a major factor in determining whether
the Orange Water and Sewer Authority gets
the authority to condemn land for the Cane
Creek project.
The 758-acre reservoir would supplement
water supplied to Chapel Hill and Carrboro
by University Lake. Severe summer droughts
in 1968, 1976 and 1977 have cast doubts on
the ability of University Lake to supply
enough water to the two growing towns.
OWASA contends that Cane Creek, in
western Orange County, is the best possible
source of clean water, while project oppo
nents, led by the Cane Creek Conservation
Authority, argue that there are other sources
which would provide water just as good as
or better than Cane Creek.
The statement made no recommendations
on which water source the county should
use. The statement noted that Cane Creek
would provide water unpolluted by signifi
cant industrial discharges, but left open the.
possibility that other sources, such as Jordan
Lake, would be treatable to raise their quali
ty to comparable levels. Costs of the various
alternatives would be within ten percent of
each other, the statement said.
In his written response. Chapel Hill Mayor
Joseph Nassif stated that industrial waste
present in alternative water supply sites such
as Jordan Lake make Cane Creek the best
choice.
Trfe Triangle J Council of Governments in
its comment stated: "The likely quality of
Cane Creek water is better than that of the
alternatives . . . this difference outweighs the
potential socioeconomic and ecological
costs of the Cane Creek project "
The Orange County commissioners also
have supported the Cane Creek project
"We are obligated professionally to try to
provide ... a supply of water of the very best
quality available," OWASA executive direc
tor Everett Billingsley said Wednesday.
In its response, OWASA said that the $10
million Cane Creek project was more cost
efficient than the alternatives.
The CCCA has argued that Cane Creek
water is no better than water from alterna
tive sources. "There's not a whole hell of a
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lot of difference between Cane Creek and
Jordan Lake," CCCA attorney David Harlow
said.
Suggested alternatives to Cane Creek in
clude tapping water from Jordan Lake or the
Haw River and raising of the University Lake
dam.
"Cane Creek is not going to be a long-term
solution for Chapel Hill water needs,"
Harlow said.
Another objection raised by CCCA is that
the project would put an unfair burden on
Cane Creek residents.
Cane Creek residents, many of whom own
farmland in the areaformed CCCA in 1976
to contest OWASA's claim to eminent do
main. .
In 1979, the department granted OWASA
the authority to condemn the land, but the
N.C. Court of Appeals ruled last summer
that they had to file an environmental im
pact statement before condemning land.
' . '-
N
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Tar HeelMatt Cooper
Brother Yusef performs in the Union's 'Music on a Summer's night series
. .soulful jazz coupled with the voice of Eve Cornelious rocked the Great Hall
"SELF-SERVICE
COPIES
4t"
II
THOSE DEVILS!
Columbia & Franklin O Seven Days A Week
COME TO THE PORTHOLE
FOR WARM WEATHER SPECIALS
.Tor?
i mFrrctf Sfliftp-fimiy - pk a miaiu salad and a vfabU or fruit
Salad to make a dlicious summer tun e maL.
1.
3.
fl. Honnmad Chicken Salad
6 tforoemade Tuna 3a tad
C. HonianWe Shr'vmp Salad
Potato SaLad
Tossed Salad
fruit Cotfoj
I Mooa. Salami
2M5
0 PICKMC LUWCrl - One. quarter crispu frittA chfcktn fi&rvad uih
?paAtu) and a tossed salad.
6oth specials are. wved with a dU 5pwr an A PORTHOLE rolls.
14 bcpenyil
Tradition Ciooo104
Perfect for those hot days. Warm weather specials
are now being served for lunch and dinner.
Lunch 11:30-2:00 Dinner 5:0000
Thursday, June 3, 1982 The Tar Heel 5