Comments on: Local Rule – The Nitrate Study – By Leon Shields http://www.centraloregonbuzz.com/blog/local-rule-the-nitrate-study-by-leon-shields/ For more real estate information please call Thesa at (541) 771-7064 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:10:45 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: T Davis http://www.centraloregonbuzz.com/blog/local-rule-the-nitrate-study-by-leon-shields/comment-page-1/#comment-3828 T Davis Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:36:48 +0000 http://www.centraloregonbuzz.com/blog/?p=474#comment-3828 Here is the issue: Nitrates. As a renewable energy feasibility analyst, it is my job to review clean energy technologies. This includes analyzing the harmful effects of toxic substances in our atmosphere. I have performed multiple hydroelectric power plant studies for various locations in Central Oregon, am responsible for performing the largest anaerobic digestion and biomass studies for private organizations that this State (and most of America) has ever seen and have outstanding grant proposals with the State of Oregon for additional solar, wind and other clean energy technologies. I have contacts with environmental engineers who work around the entire country because of their superior reputations. Knowing this, I can assure you, that: First, nitrates from the south county residents septic tanks are of no concern; and Second, that there are better ways of dealing with these issues that are financially reasonable for the residents of Central Oregon. I have communicated with various individuals who currently handle septic tank, bio-digestion, and they too agree, that even they have better ways of managing these issues if the County/State would simply permit them. The truth is, Deschutes County is not interested in preventing “Nitrate” contamination in the drinking water. They are interested solely in another measure designed to promote: profit. No, the septic systems are not affecting the groundwater. What the actual source of the major nitrate contamination in our drinking water: a lack of mitigation in proper landfill maintenance, sewage maintenance, animal mortalities and proper environmental controls on existing municipal activities. I have conversed with the folks who work in these areas and know all too well what the reality is. Nitrates are bad, there is no doubt about it. But, the County could be spending the money to support clean energy projects that would truly lead to a reduction in nitrates in our water, not force the citizens to spend their own money to “pretend” to fix the issue. Of course, it is also of concern that the County is choosing to do this project now, right when there is a financial crisis upon the people of this country. They are not seeking anything from a ‘bailout’ (thank goodness), rather, they intend to do to the South County residents what they have done to the rest of its citizens: place the financial burden upon them. I have yet to understand the justification of how the existing residents of the area all financially pay for one area to receive sewers in addition to heavily charging the residents of that specific region, and then have new residents move in who paid for nothing. If the County wants to install sewers (so they can get their monthly stipend), then they can pay for it out of reserve funds or some other funds or grants. Why, when people can barely afford to stay in their homes, would the County take a course of action that would cause homeowners to no longer be able to afford their mortgage payments and cause renters to no longer be able to afford rent? I don't know if the financial facts that I just mentioned have been brought up yet, but if not, be prepared - that expense will be translated down to the residents one way, or another. Here is the issue: Nitrates.
As a renewable energy feasibility analyst, it is my job to review clean energy technologies. This includes analyzing the harmful effects of toxic substances in our atmosphere. I have performed multiple hydroelectric power plant studies for various locations in Central Oregon, am responsible for performing the largest anaerobic digestion and biomass studies for private organizations that this State (and most of America) has ever seen and have outstanding grant proposals with the State of Oregon for additional solar, wind and other clean energy technologies. I have contacts with environmental engineers who work around the entire country because of their superior reputations. Knowing this, I can assure you, that: First, nitrates from the south county residents septic tanks are of no concern; and Second, that there are better ways of dealing with these issues that are financially reasonable for the residents of Central Oregon.
I have communicated with various individuals who currently handle septic tank, bio-digestion, and they too agree, that even they have better ways of managing these issues if the County/State would simply permit them. The truth is, Deschutes County is not interested in preventing “Nitrate” contamination in the drinking water. They are interested solely in another measure designed to promote: profit. No, the septic systems are not affecting the groundwater. What the actual source of the major nitrate contamination in our drinking water: a lack of mitigation in proper landfill maintenance, sewage maintenance, animal mortalities and proper environmental controls on existing municipal activities. I have conversed with the folks who work in these areas and know all too well what the reality is. Nitrates are bad, there is no doubt about it. But, the County could be spending the money to support clean energy projects that would truly lead to a reduction in nitrates in our water, not force the citizens to spend their own money to “pretend” to fix the issue.
Of course, it is also of concern that the County is choosing to do this project now, right when there is a financial crisis upon the people of this country. They are not seeking anything from a ‘bailout’ (thank goodness), rather, they intend to do to the South County residents what they have done to the rest of its citizens: place the financial burden upon them. I have yet to understand the justification of how the existing residents of the area all financially pay for one area to receive sewers in addition to heavily charging the residents of that specific region, and then have new residents move in who paid for nothing. If the County wants to install sewers (so they can get their monthly stipend), then they can pay for it out of reserve funds or some other funds or grants. Why, when people can barely afford to stay in their homes, would the County take a course of action that would cause homeowners to no longer be able to afford their mortgage payments and cause renters to no longer be able to afford rent?

I don’t know if the financial facts that I just mentioned have been brought up yet, but if not, be prepared – that expense will be translated down to the residents one way, or another.

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