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90 consideration of the decision whether or not to build the pipeline, with the intent of discussing stream flow impacts and he was assured there would not be degradation of the natural stream flows. He very reluctantly agreed not to oppose the pipeline construction. In 1985 OWASA's attorney prepared a bill for introduction in the legislature which, if passed, would have given OWASA "quick-take" condemnation powers and would also have eliminated requirements that they obtain a certificate from the State to make inter-basin transfers of water. Cox continued that no certificate had been issued to permit OWASA to draw water from the Eno River. He noted that with the sewage treatment plant there has been considerable improvement in the downstream quality of the Eno. He noted that as Lake Orange, Lake Ben Johnson and Corporation Lake had been built, the summer and fall stream flows of the Eno have steadily become lower and lower. He noted that when OWASA built the pipeline to Hillsborough, there was as much as three months with no flow around Hillsborough. He stated that Orange County had been responsive in trying to remedy the situation, but technical and management considerations have hampered this effort. STATEMENT FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ENO ASSOCIATION "We have been patient and supportive. We have worked through the process of Boards and Commissions and Task Forces and freely given our hearts and energies and minds and financial resources to protect the river and to help seek a solution for our water resource problems. We encourage the various bodies to become concerned and deal with the increasingly critical nature of our water supply resources. We find the efforts to turn to the necessary in-stream flows as a source of water supply to support more growth and development in all of Orange County an intolerable solution. We will reluctantly support a minimum flow of 1.7 cfs knowing that it will most likely be sustained far more than 7 days and 10 years but we will observe the operation of the reservoirs, water uses, stream flows and conditions of the river and will be prepared to take strong and immediate action to remedy an adverse condition by exercising all statutory legal means. We fully intend to protect the Eno River and its environment. " PUBLIC COMMENTS Betsy Tilley introduced Marshall Spears, an attorney representing a group of concerned Lake Orange property owners. Spears presented concerns of the Lake Orange property owners regarding the raising of the dam. He noted that by studying deeds and maps it appears that Lake Orange controls to contour line 615. He noted that the raising of the dam would not provide a significant benefit but would cause more consternation. He continued that the cost benefit ratio must be looked at and that a part of that cost benefit ratio is humanity. He noted that if the documentation that led to Lake Orange was studied, it would be found that it was done for the purpose of a number of recreational water-related activities and the deeds to the property go down to that point subject only to an easement, and would only go above 615 in the case of oppression or some temporary measure. He expressed again his doubts that significant benefit would be gained by' disturbing Lake Orange. Spears