In addition to two public comment segments, the meeting also included a number of presentations by recognized experts in fields such as soil science and water use.
We do think it is important for people to make their voice known, and we applaud local residents who have given their opinions for and against the Fibrowatt development.
We also think it is important for people to make knowledgeable, informed choices when it comes time to decide which side of this issue to come down on.
Unfortunately, that’s proving difficult because some of those who are among the most vocal opponents seem to be playing a little loose with the truth at times.
We’ve heard them voice fears that the proposed plant will dump polluted effluent into the Yadkin River, although it seems as if the plant will not be allowed to dump anything in the river.
We’ve heard opponents complain that the plant will take too much water out of the river, when in fact the plant will be utilizing the county water system, which in turn will be getting some of its water from Elkin. Even if the plant were to use the maximum 300,000 gallons of water a day for which it is asking to be permitted, that is far below the town and county’s capacity and it represents water revenue for the county.
We’ve heard some of the more vocal leaders of the opposition complain they were not allowed to take part in earlier public discourse on the proposal because they were not informed of public information sessions, when in fact some of those same leaders were at those meetings.
We’ve heard some area farmers say the plant, which will use chicken waste to create electricity, say its presence will hurt them because they can sell their chicken litter elsewhere for more money. To them, we would suggest going ahead and selling it where you can get top dollar — the plant’s presence isn’t going to change that.
And, we find it a little curious that some of the more vocal leaders of the opposition don’t even live in Surry County or on the Yadkin River.
That’s not to suggest environmental concerns are strictly local interests. On the contrary, we should all do more to take a regional and more universal approach to safeguarding the environment. Still, we have to wonder if these folks are as involved in their own communities, or if this is simply something to occupy their time.
We encourage an open, honest dialogue on the pros and cons of the Fibrowatt plant being built in Surry County.
But, thus far we haven’t heard enough credible arguments against the development, while the economic benefits to Surry County stand to be considerable. We still support the development, and unless something significantly different is revealed, we urge the Surry County Board of Commissioners to continue its support of the project as well.
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