of compliance with the permit or failure of design
that affects neighboring property owners should be
the responsibility of the permit holder.
98. USE OF FERTILIZERS & NITRATES FOR
ICE REMOVAL
West Virginia Farm Bureau opposes the use of
fertilizers and nitrates for snow and ice removal.
99. EROSION CREATED BY RIVER
NAVIGATION
West Virginia Farm Bureau recommends that the
federal government appropriate funds for control
of erosion problems created by dams and locks.
We recommend that feasibility and environmental
studies be completed before the water level of a pool
is raised or lowered; and that farmers who suffer
damage because of the higher water tables shall be
compensated for damages including payment for land
that is rendered useless by high water tables or by
stream bank erosion.
We recommend that no-wake zones be created
along small streams navigable to pleasure boats due
to increased water levels created by the new locks
and dams.
100. NATURAL DISASTER DAMAGE
West Virginia Farm Bureau recommends the
Division of Highways and landowners be exempt
from regulations and environmental impact
statements when repairing roads, bridges and streams
damaged by natural disasters.
101. FLOOD CONTROL
West Virginia Farm Bureau opposes landconsuming projects proposed by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers. Large downstream reservoirs created
by high dams of the type generally proposed by the
Army Corps of Engineers are generally detrimental
to the community and county in which such dams
are located. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
largely depends upon projected recreational benefits
to justify the construction of these dams and the
purchase of large acreages of land adjoining the lake.
Flood control studies undertaken by a government
agency should be subject to a public forum.
Farm Bureau favors alternative methods of
flood control such as levies, dikes, dredging, small
watershed dams, ponds, relocations and local
protection projects.
102. INTERSTATE COMMISSION ON
POTOMAC RIVER BASIN
West Virginia Farm Bureau believes the Interstate
Commission on the Potomac River Basin should
serve in an advisory capacity to the states in the
Potomac Basin. It should not have approval or
coercive authority within any state. The West Virginia
Legislature should examine the existing interstate
agreements and consider necessary clarification of
any authority or implied authority over West Virginia
residents, property or agencies.
Decisions affecting West Virginia should remain
under the control, management, and responsibility of
elected officials of West Virginia.
103. SCENIC RIVERS AND PARKS
West Virginia Farm Bureau opposes any additions
of West Virginia streams to the Wild and Scenic
Rivers Program of the U.S. Department of Interior or
U.S. Department of Agriculture or any other program
that would impair title, management and local control
of streams and river basins.
Farm Bureau opposes the High Allegheny
National Park and Birthplace of Rivers National
Monument, and any federal land acquisitions.
104. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
The Army Corps of Engineers was given authority
to control non-navigable and navigable streams
and rivers in 1977. West Virginia Farm Bureau
recommends this law be changed giving the Army
Corps of Engineers control over only navigable
rivers and streams. All authority over non-navigable
rivers, streams and wetlands is to be delegated to the
appropriate agencies of the state.
105. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL
West Virginia Farm Bureau recommends that
provisions be made for safe disposal within West
Virginia of waste generated in state. Disposal of outof-state waste in West Virginia should be prohibited.
We encourage strict enforcement of West Virginia
litter laws.
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 27