The Association does its work through an active board charged with monitoring stream water quality, proposed developments, legislation, zoning changes, and other actions that have potential impact on the environment and quality of life in the Goose Creek watershed in Fauquier and Loudoun Counties, VA, and taking steps through educational forums to forestall or encourage these changes accordingly.
We actively support the work of other like-minded regional groups both in spirit and with financial support. And we work to coalesce the many conservation and preservation efforts to provide a unified voice for conservation/preservation-minded citizens in the area.
Click here to download the Goose Creek Association Fact Sheet
REQUEST FOR MEMBER E-mail addresses! The GCA Winter Newsletter went out to our members with e-mail addresses. We are a green organization and have tried to reduce the use of paper. If you wish to be included on our mailing list please send us your e-mail address. For those who don’t have an e-mail address there are copies available at our office. Please contact us if you would like to receive one.
Click here to download the Goose Creek Association's Winter 2011 Newletter Uranium Mining Meeting Smmary On Wednesday, October 26, Goose Creek Association hosted presentations by the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC)'s Chris Miller and the Virginia League of Conservation Voters (VALCV)'s Jeff Painter at the Middleburg Community Center on the issue of uranium mining in Virginia. The Virginia Assembly imposed a moratorium in 1982 on mining uranium in Virginia due to public safety issues involving the porous geology and wet climate of the areas that could be mined. At that time, the possible toxic impact of mining wastes on surface and ground water was considered sufficient to place a hold on the development of any regulations regarding mining uranium in Virginia where many mining leases had been issued. Uranium deposits lie throughout the state, generally tracking east of the Blue Ridge Mountains from south to north, involving many counties, including Fauquier and Loudoun. The market price for uranium also decreased at that time, so there was little industry pressure to lift the moratorium until now, as the price of uranium has increased on the world market. Virginia Uranium Corporation (VUC), is now lobbying the Virginia Assembly to lift the moratorium. This summer and fall, VUC paid legislators to go to France (including overnight stopovers in Paris) and Canada to view uranium mining operations. Apparently, VUC has spent considerable amounts to persuade the legislators to lift the moratorium. VUC was established by Mr. Coles who owns Coles Hill in Pittsylvania County, near Chatham, in SW Virginia, where the first mining operations would occur. The company is listed as a public company on the Canadian exchange and there is no guarantee the uranium mined in Virginia would be used in Virginia. However, the mining would bring hundreds of jobs to the area. VUC says it intends to return the tailings waste to the excavated mines, but some toxic water waste would also need to be stored above ground. Coles Mountain uranium waste and run-off could contaminate the surface and underground waters that provide drinking water to downstream residents in Virginia and North Carolina, stretching all the way across the state, through Lake Gaston to Virginia Beach and Norfolk. The ramifications of any pollution could be indelible, i.e., for hundreds of years, and the cost to taxpayers for clean-up and mitigation for consumers could be in the billions or more. The impact on surrounding farms and tourism also needs to be considered. As Chris Miller of the PEC noted, to date, even in arid, underpopulated areas of uranium mining in the US and elsewhere, there has been no uranium mining without toxic effect. In Canada and France, where the legislators toured, there were visible toxic ponds with signs limiting fishing, swimming and drinking due to pollution from the uranium mines. Given Virginia's general lack of oversight and enforcement of other environmental regulations, it is difficult to conceive of regulations and enforcement in Virginia that could guaranty the safety of mining uranium where severe rainfall and porous geology raises the likelihood of seepage and spills. As elsewhere stated: If Virginia allows uranium mining, it would be the first state to do so in the United States in a climate where rainfall exceeds evaporation. Several studies are underway and due in December. A National Academy of Sciences study has been contracted out to Virginia Tech and funded by VUC. These studies are not expected to add to what is already known, but rather to compile information from prior studies on uranium mining. The Virginia Assembly will meet in early 2012 and likely consider lifting the moratorium and directing the relevant state agencies to draft regulations. Legislators for the immediate Middleburg area have stated their opposition to lifting the moratorium, however, some seem to be hedging by saying that if mining can be done "safely," then it should proceed. Again, there is no demonstrated uranium mining in an area like Virginia with such geologic porosity, rainfall, hurricanes, and population density, where mining has occurred without toxic results. In essence, VUC is saying: 'trust us, new technology will make this the cleanest and safest mine in the world.' Years after the mine is closed, however, any toxic storage or clean-up problems apparently become the federal government's problems, which all taxpayers will have to pay for, and Virginians will have to live with. Given this year's history of catastrophic radiation, mining and drilling failures in Japan, Lake Michigan and The Gulf, mining uranium in Virginia seems to be an unnecessary risk to our water supplies and countryside. Energy conservation and other types of alternative energy are more palatable routes to energy self-sufficiency. GCA will continue to follow this issue for its membership and the public. For further information, visit www.pecva.org and www.VALCV.org. TRI-COUNTY FEEDS ANNOUNCES “GOING GREEN WITH FEED BAGS” TO “REINVEST” IN CONSERVATION/PRESERVATION WITH GOOSE CREEK ASSOCIATION AND PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL. CLICK HERE to visit their website. The year was 1978, when Bill Jackson founded Tri-County Feeds. The 33 years since have been filled with great friends, great customers, great products and great service. And now we will be able to add another “great” to this history of “greats”… Tri-County Feeds, Etc. proudly announces TCFE Horse Feeds, an equine feed line specifically developed to benefit the horse industry of the Northern Piedmont region. TCFE teamed up with the nutritionists at McCauley’s Equine to formulate and manufacture a line of feeds that would address the needs of the horses (and horse owners) in this very special region. TCFE Feeds are: Produced in a drug and medication-free, equine-only feed mill Made fresh, to order Packaged in an environmentally-friendly “Bag within a Bag” that allows for easy separation of the inner liner from the outer paper shell so that both can be easily recycled Outstanding values in equine nutrition Tri-County Feeds, Etc. believes that: Great customers expect exceptional quality and service at a fair price. The loyalty of those great customers must be earned-every day. Companies should reinvest in the communities from which they earn their livelihood. In an effort to “Reinvest” in our beloved Piedmont Region, TCFE will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of TCFE Horse Feeds to the conservation and preservation efforts of the Goose Creek Association and the Piedmont Environmental Council. Please visit these websites to learn more about these very worthwhile organizations; www.goosecreekassn.org and www.pecva.org. Tri-County Feeds, Etc. encourages you to buy local, enjoy this wonderful land of ours and help protect the precious heritage that is the Northern Piedmont Region. For more information about TCFE Horse Feeds please call us at 540-364-1891 or come visit us at our 12,000 square foot retail store in Marshall or online at www.tricountyfeeds.com. Sincerely Yours, Bill and Jeri Jackson Owners NOTE* We have received proceeds from the sale of Tri-County’s new feed product featured in eco-friendly bags designed by Bill & Jeri Jackson, owners of Tri-County Feed. We are pleased to report that their store has gone paperless. It is gratifying to see successful entreprenures practicing “green” techniques that protect this uniquely beautiful region. Goose Creek Association Partners with the Choose Clean Water Coalition Earlier this year, the Goose Creek Association became a member of the Choose Clean Water Coalition, and partnered with that organization in the planning and implementation of GCA’s 2011 community forum. Tony Caligiuri, executive director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Mid-Atlantic Region and co-chair of the Choose Clean Water Coalition, was the featured speaker at the forum. And Chris Miller, president of PEC and also a co-chair of the Coalition, was an active participant in the forum’s discussion on “Clean Water, Clear Streams” in the Goose Creek Watershed. We look forward to a continuing partnership with the Coalition, especially as the debate on the Chesapeake Bay Ordinance continues at the Board of Supervisor levels in coming months in Loudoun, and in the future in Fauquier County. Modeled on successful efforts in the Great Lakes and Everglades, the Coalition is a broad-based, inclusive, collaborative effort whose focus on policy brings greater strength to its member organizations’ shared goal of restoring and preserving all rivers and streams leading to the Chesapeake. Coalition members pledge to coordinate their efforts for maximum effectiveness, to work together to capitalize on the individual strengths of the participants, and to expand the resources targeted to reach our goals. The Coalition now has more than 160 member organizations representing communities in all six Bay states and the District of Columbia. For more information, see choosecleanwater.org. Vice Chair Appointed We are so pleased to announce that Board Member Lori Keenan has been appointed our new Vice Chair. Lori is a committed member of GCA and brings a lot of talent and energy to the board. We appreciate all her efforts and look forward to a wonderful year. The Downstream Project is a non-profit organization founded to inspire individuals and groups to initiate solutions to ecological issues that threaten their communities. Goose Creek Association now has a Facebook page - click below to become a fan. Goose Creek Association Dear Members, As the global financial picture fluctuates and the United States economy continues to struggle, funds for environmental programs are being cut on all levels, federal, state and local. At the same time special interest groups are applying pressure to relax regulatory practices protecting the environment. These and other factors are forcing concerned individuals and conservation organizations such as the Goose Creek Association to work even harder. With the support of our membership, our organization has continued its efforts to protect this special area and its wonderful natural and historic resources. We will make every effort to persevere with our stewardship. Hopefully we can count on your support in the coming year by renewing your membership and making a tax deductible contribution. Your participation is crucial to preserve this uniquely beautiful countryside. Goose Creek Association offers many volunteer opportunities for members to get involved. Through volunteerism we can effectively connect our membership with the Goose Creek watershed and its critical issues. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please be sure to indicate what your interests are on our return envelope. For more information, please contact the GCA office at 540-687-3073 or goosecreek@erols.com. Also, please check our website at gooscreekassn.org for updates. We are a green organization and using less paper is a priority for us. Please be sure to include your e-mail address on the remittance envelope so that we can send you important alerts and our newsletter. We do not share our membership e-mail addresses. Sincerely, Butter Strother Chairman A Landmark for a Land Conservation Group - Washington Post Article by James Hohmann The Land Trust of Virginia, a Middleburg-based nonprofit group, met a decade-old goal this month by placing its 100th property and 10,000th acre in permanent conservation easements. Much of the land...(click the link below to read more) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/29/AR2009122902822.html?sub=AR CLICK HERE for NEWS ARCHIVE The fundamental mission of the Goose Creek Association is to protect and preserve the natural resources of the Goose Creek Watershed. In order to measure progress, the quality of Goose Creek water is regularly tested by volunteers. GCA volunteers monitor 17 stations: Our stations are in both Fauquier and Loudoun Counties. Each station has its own trained and certified monitor. Our current Stream Monitoring Leader who trains and certifies all monitors is Andrea Rosse who began her tenure in this position in spring of 2011. Andrea is also GCA’s Water Quality Coordinator.. The GCA monitors are re-certified every two years to maintain quality assurance. Monitors have a group of volunteers to help them made up of family and friends, and other members of the Goose Creek Association, including staff members of Dolphin Quest. Macroinvertebrate testing reflects the health of the stream by taking an inventory of the bugs that live in the delicate stream environment. Data is obtained twice times a year, using the Virginia Save Our Streams "Rocky Bottom Method." After collection, the data is sent to VASOS, Virginia Department Of Environmental Quality (VADEQ), John Marshall Soil, Water, and Conservation District to be rated. VADEQ requested using our data as 3rd level data in 2009 and GCA approved the request. Chemical testing helps evaluate the stream environment. E-coli testing monitors the level of fecal coliform which washes into the creek from nearby livestock, wildlife, and in some cases failed human septic systems. The e-coli testing using the coliscan method is done four times a year. We have been water quality monitoring for approximately 5 years. A survey of the habitat surrounding each of our stations is an important factor in creating an overall picture of our monitored sites and the environmental factors that could influence those sites. All of our monitors conduct the VA SOS Habitat Survey during the month of May annually. All our monitors take the VA SOS Habitat Survey course. Once the course for the Habitat Survey has been completed the survey is done annually with up-dates as necessary. CLICK HERE to Learn More.
Click here to download the Goose Creek Association's Winter 2011 Newletter
Uranium Mining Meeting Smmary
On Wednesday, October 26, Goose Creek Association hosted presentations by the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC)'s Chris Miller and the Virginia League of Conservation Voters (VALCV)'s Jeff Painter at the Middleburg Community Center on the issue of uranium mining in Virginia. The Virginia Assembly imposed a moratorium in 1982 on mining uranium in Virginia due to public safety issues involving the porous geology and wet climate of the areas that could be mined. At that time, the possible toxic impact of mining wastes on surface and ground water was considered sufficient to place a hold on the development of any regulations regarding mining uranium in Virginia where many mining leases had been issued. Uranium deposits lie throughout the state, generally tracking east of the Blue Ridge Mountains from south to north, involving many counties, including Fauquier and Loudoun. The market price for uranium also decreased at that time, so there was little industry pressure to lift the moratorium until now, as the price of uranium has increased on the world market.
Virginia Uranium Corporation (VUC), is now lobbying the Virginia Assembly to lift the moratorium. This summer and fall, VUC paid legislators to go to France (including overnight stopovers in Paris) and Canada to view uranium mining operations. Apparently, VUC has spent considerable amounts to persuade the legislators to lift the moratorium. VUC was established by Mr. Coles who owns Coles Hill in Pittsylvania County, near Chatham, in SW Virginia, where the first mining operations would occur. The company is listed as a public company on the Canadian exchange and there is no guarantee the uranium mined in Virginia would be used in Virginia. However, the mining would bring hundreds of jobs to the area. VUC says it intends to return the tailings waste to the excavated mines, but some toxic water waste would also need to be stored above ground.
Coles Mountain uranium waste and run-off could contaminate the surface and underground waters that provide drinking water to downstream residents in Virginia and North Carolina, stretching all the way across the state, through Lake Gaston to Virginia Beach and Norfolk. The ramifications of any pollution could be indelible, i.e., for hundreds of years, and the cost to taxpayers for clean-up and mitigation for consumers could be in the billions or more. The impact on surrounding farms and tourism also needs to be considered. As Chris Miller of the PEC noted, to date, even in arid, underpopulated areas of uranium mining in the US and elsewhere, there has been no uranium mining without toxic effect. In Canada and France, where the legislators toured, there were visible toxic ponds with signs limiting fishing, swimming and drinking due to pollution from the uranium mines. Given Virginia's general lack of oversight and enforcement of other environmental regulations, it is difficult to conceive of regulations and enforcement in Virginia that could guaranty the safety of mining uranium where severe rainfall and porous geology raises the likelihood of seepage and spills. As elsewhere stated: If Virginia allows uranium mining, it would be the first state to do so in the United States in a climate where rainfall exceeds evaporation.
Several studies are underway and due in December. A National Academy of Sciences study has been contracted out to Virginia Tech and funded by VUC. These studies are not expected to add to what is already known, but rather to compile information from prior studies on uranium mining. The Virginia Assembly will meet in early 2012 and likely consider lifting the moratorium and directing the relevant state agencies to draft regulations. Legislators for the immediate Middleburg area have stated their opposition to lifting the moratorium, however, some seem to be hedging by saying that if mining can be done "safely," then it should proceed. Again, there is no demonstrated uranium mining in an area like Virginia with such geologic porosity, rainfall, hurricanes, and population density, where mining has occurred without toxic results. In essence, VUC is saying: 'trust us, new technology will make this the cleanest and safest mine in the world.' Years after the mine is closed, however, any toxic storage or clean-up problems apparently become the federal government's problems, which all taxpayers will have to pay for, and Virginians will have to live with. Given this year's history of catastrophic radiation, mining and drilling failures in Japan, Lake Michigan and The Gulf, mining uranium in Virginia seems to be an unnecessary risk to our water supplies and countryside. Energy conservation and other types of alternative energy are more palatable routes to energy self-sufficiency.
GCA will continue to follow this issue for its membership and the public. For further information, visit www.pecva.org and www.VALCV.org.
TRI-COUNTY FEEDS ANNOUNCES “GOING GREEN WITH FEED BAGS” TO “REINVEST” IN CONSERVATION/PRESERVATION WITH GOOSE CREEK ASSOCIATION AND PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL. CLICK HERE to visit their website.
The year was 1978, when Bill Jackson founded Tri-County Feeds. The 33 years since have been filled with great friends, great customers, great products and great service. And now we will be able to add another “great” to this history of “greats”…
Tri-County Feeds, Etc. proudly announces TCFE Horse Feeds, an equine feed line specifically developed to benefit the horse industry of the Northern Piedmont region. TCFE teamed up with the nutritionists at McCauley’s Equine to formulate and manufacture a line of feeds that would address the needs of the horses (and horse owners) in this very special region. TCFE Feeds are:
Tri-County Feeds, Etc. believes that:
In an effort to “Reinvest” in our beloved Piedmont Region, TCFE will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of TCFE Horse Feeds to the conservation and preservation efforts of the Goose Creek Association and the Piedmont Environmental Council. Please visit these websites to learn more about these very worthwhile organizations; www.goosecreekassn.org and www.pecva.org. Tri-County Feeds, Etc. encourages you to buy local, enjoy this wonderful land of ours and help protect the precious heritage that is the Northern Piedmont Region. For more information about TCFE Horse Feeds please call us at 540-364-1891 or come visit us at our 12,000 square foot retail store in Marshall or online at www.tricountyfeeds.com. Sincerely Yours, Bill and Jeri Jackson Owners
NOTE* We have received proceeds from the sale of Tri-County’s new feed product featured in eco-friendly bags designed by Bill & Jeri Jackson, owners of Tri-County Feed. We are pleased to report that their store has gone paperless. It is gratifying to see successful entreprenures practicing “green” techniques that protect this uniquely beautiful region.
Goose Creek Association Partners with the Choose Clean Water Coalition
Earlier this year, the Goose Creek Association became a member of the Choose Clean Water Coalition, and partnered with that organization in the planning and implementation of GCA’s 2011 community forum. Tony Caligiuri, executive director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Mid-Atlantic Region and co-chair of the Choose Clean Water Coalition, was the featured speaker at the forum. And Chris Miller, president of PEC and also a co-chair of the Coalition, was an active participant in the forum’s discussion on “Clean Water, Clear Streams” in the Goose Creek Watershed. We look forward to a continuing partnership with the Coalition, especially as the debate on the Chesapeake Bay Ordinance continues at the Board of Supervisor levels in coming months in Loudoun, and in the future in Fauquier County.
Modeled on successful efforts in the Great Lakes and Everglades, the Coalition is a broad-based, inclusive, collaborative effort whose focus on policy brings greater strength to its member organizations’ shared goal of restoring and preserving all rivers and streams leading to the Chesapeake. Coalition members pledge to coordinate their efforts for maximum effectiveness, to work together to capitalize on the individual strengths of the participants, and to expand the resources targeted to reach our goals. The Coalition now has more than 160 member organizations representing communities in all six Bay states and the District of Columbia. For more information, see choosecleanwater.org.
Vice Chair Appointed
We are so pleased to announce that Board Member Lori Keenan has been appointed our new Vice Chair. Lori is a committed member of GCA and brings a lot of talent and energy to the board. We appreciate all her efforts and look forward to a wonderful year.
The Downstream Project is a non-profit organization founded to inspire individuals and groups to initiate solutions to ecological issues that threaten their communities.
Goose Creek Association now has a Facebook page - click below to become a fan.
Goose Creek Association
Dear Members,
As the global financial picture fluctuates and the United States economy continues to struggle, funds for environmental programs are being cut on all levels, federal, state and local. At the same time special interest groups are applying pressure to relax regulatory practices protecting the environment. These and other factors are forcing concerned individuals and conservation organizations such as the Goose Creek Association to work even harder.
With the support of our membership, our organization has continued its efforts to protect this special area and its wonderful natural and historic resources. We will make every effort to persevere with our stewardship. Hopefully we can count on your support in the coming year by renewing your membership and making a tax deductible contribution. Your participation is crucial to preserve this uniquely beautiful countryside.
Goose Creek Association offers many volunteer opportunities for members to get involved. Through volunteerism we can effectively connect our membership with the Goose Creek watershed and its critical issues. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please be sure to indicate what your interests are on our return envelope. For more information, please contact the GCA office at 540-687-3073 or goosecreek@erols.com. Also, please check our website at gooscreekassn.org for updates.
We are a green organization and using less paper is a priority for us. Please be sure to include your e-mail address on the remittance envelope so that we can send you important alerts and our newsletter. We do not share our membership e-mail addresses.
Sincerely, Butter Strother Chairman
A Landmark for a Land Conservation Group - Washington Post Article by James Hohmann The Land Trust of Virginia, a Middleburg-based nonprofit group, met a decade-old goal this month by placing its 100th property and 10,000th acre in permanent conservation easements. Much of the land...(click the link below to read more) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/29/AR2009122902822.html?sub=AR
CLICK HERE for NEWS ARCHIVE
The fundamental mission of the Goose Creek Association is to protect and preserve the natural resources of the Goose Creek Watershed. In order to measure progress, the quality of Goose Creek water is regularly tested by volunteers. GCA volunteers monitor 17 stations: Our stations are in both Fauquier and Loudoun Counties.
Each station has its own trained and certified monitor. Our current Stream Monitoring Leader who trains and certifies all monitors is Andrea Rosse who began her tenure in this position in spring of 2011. Andrea is also GCA’s Water Quality Coordinator.. The GCA monitors are re-certified every two years to maintain quality assurance. Monitors have a group of volunteers to help them made up of family and friends, and other members of the Goose Creek Association, including staff members of Dolphin Quest.
Macroinvertebrate testing reflects the health of the stream by taking an inventory of the bugs that live in the delicate stream environment. Data is obtained twice times a year, using the Virginia Save Our Streams "Rocky Bottom Method." After collection, the data is sent to VASOS, Virginia Department Of Environmental Quality (VADEQ), John Marshall Soil, Water, and Conservation District to be rated. VADEQ requested using our data as 3rd level data in 2009 and GCA approved the request.
Chemical testing helps evaluate the stream environment. E-coli testing monitors the level of fecal coliform which washes into the creek from nearby livestock, wildlife, and in some cases failed human septic systems. The e-coli testing using the coliscan method is done four times a year. We have been water quality monitoring for approximately 5 years.
A survey of the habitat surrounding each of our stations is an important factor in creating an overall picture of our monitored sites and the environmental factors that could influence those sites. All of our monitors conduct the VA SOS Habitat Survey during the month of May annually.
All our monitors take the VA SOS Habitat Survey course. Once the course for the Habitat Survey has been completed the survey is done annually with up-dates as necessary.
CLICK HERE to Learn More.
