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• <br /> "029 <br /> MEMO <br /> TO: Mr. Charles Snipes, Chairman Orange Soil and Water Conservation <br /> District <br /> FROM: Elizabeth Walters, Orange County Agricultural Districts Advisory <br /> Committee Chair <br /> SUBJECT: Eno River Capacity Use Designation <br /> First, let me say I agree with Mr. Cox that Hillsborough and other <br /> uses should not be allowed to drain the Eno to a dangerous level. But <br /> on this issue I must disagree. Although I have not had a chance to talk <br /> to Mr. Cox but knowing his views on most water issues, I feel sure he <br /> will recommend state control of capacity use. <br /> In my opinion, from what I have read on state capacity use designation, <br /> farmers in the northern part of the county along the Eno will be paying <br /> for another problem they did not create. State capacity use will be <br /> devastating to the farmers in the county and will set a precedent that <br /> could effect farmers all over the state. Farmers can not survive with- <br /> out water. Crops and livestock will not wait for state permits. <br /> May I remind the board that the Soil and Water District's first <br /> priority is to assist the farmers; and also remind you that newcomers <br /> created the biggest water needs. If you help put any more farmers out of <br /> business, you just make more land available for even more newcomers, and <br /> more water needs. <br /> I believe the County Commissioners are now aware of how severe the <br /> problem is and will take actions' to correct the problem. <br /> I am asking you to wait until after the meeting on February 3, at <br /> the Courthouse, before making any decision on state capacity use designa- <br /> tion. <br /> It is my hope that the board will oppose state capacity use designa- <br /> tion and recommend to the Commissioners a one board water supply system <br /> and another water source. This county can do anything it wants to on other <br /> issues, we can build a new reservoir if necessary. Taking a small area <br /> for a reservoir is better than restricting farmers along all the rivers <br /> and streams in the state, and that is what I see in the future, if this is <br /> allowed to happen. <br /> . - • • <br /> _ . The state and environmentalist may say this is a one time thing. <br /> Do you really believe it will be? Can we take a chance? <br /> _ <br /> • <br />