WALTHER: WHERE WE STAND - December 30, 2013 -- from Tim Rogers...

You have followed FRED’s efforts to respond to the massive water withdrawal from the South Fork Edisto River by the Walther Farms Company.

Now SCDHEC has set a public meeting on this issue for TUESDAY, JANUARY 7th, 2014, AT 6:30 p.m. AT THE AIKEN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE OFFICE AT 2790 WAGENER ROAD IN AIKEN.

I want to urge everyone who can come to attend this public meeting. This is one chance to demonstrate to SCDHEC the depth of public opposition to this incredibly wrong-minded action.

DHEC has set the meeting “to explain the process of registering agricultural surface water withdrawals” pursuant to state legislation enacted in 2010. “Walther Farm’s agricultural withdrawal registration will be discussed as a specific example.”

The DHEC notice goes on to state that, “After the presentation, DHEC staff will answer questions about the registration process. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A FORMAL PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING INPUT ON A DHEC DECISION.” (emphasis added.)

Notwithstanding the limitations (we think unfairly) placed on this meeting, your attendance is still very important to show your support for the River, and to learn what we can from the DHEC presentation.

I hope to see you on TUESDAY, JANUARY 7th , 2014, AT 6:30 p.m. AT THE AIKEN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE OFFICE AT 2790 WAGENER ROAD IN AIKEN.

Thank you so much.

For the River,

Tim Rogers
President, Friends of the Edisto River (FRED)