Protest sounded at latest meeting on Nichols reservoir

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

A large crowd opposed to the proposed Marvin Nichols reservoir gathered at the recent NETRWPG meeting. -Staff photo by Montgomery

May 23, 2002 -- The water is beginning to heat up with regards to the plans for Marvin Nichols reservoir.

The Northeast Texas Regional Water Planning Group (NETRWPG) D held a meeting May 15 at the Texas Cooperative Extension office in Mount Pleasant. Board members, loggers, farmers, ranchers, environmentalists, as well as passers by saw 18-wheeler logging trucks and picket signs expressing people's views on the purposed reservoir. Outside the entrance door was a black wreath stating, "Rest in Peace Marvin Nichols."

Inside, was standing room only with most people wearing stickers that read, "Dallas do not (a picture of a hog) our water."

During the public comment session, audience members were allowed to speak but were limited to three minutes.

"This will not be a question and answer period," Tony Williams, a board member from Harrison County, said. "But we do want to hear your comments about our water planning process."

While many attendees who spoke pleaded with the board to put Marvin Nichols on the back burner, Bill Ward, with Ward Timber Co. in Linden, requested getting an agenda to remove Marvin Nichols and Parkhouse 2.

"Desalination is the only answer (to new water needs). If we suck the Gulf dry, we are in trouble," Ward stated. "The bottom line is, Dallas will not take a serious look at these other alternatives until the water planning board tells them they can't have a Marvin Nichols reservoir."

Gov. Rick Perry proposed on April 29 that a $208 million water desalination plant be built somewhere on the Texas coast.

According to an Associated Press report. Perry told an audience during a visit at a San Antonio Water System plant, "It's time to look for new and untapped sources. There's no greater potential supply of new water than what splashes upon hundreds of miles of Texas coastline."

Perry said he would ask the Texas Water Development Board to put together the details for a demonstration plant.

What came as a surprise to some people during the meeting in Mount Pleasant was the comments from Bill Taylor, the political officer of PACE local 1148 at International Paper in Texarkana. Taylor informed the board of a letter issued by Richard Ellis, president of PACE local 1148 that read; "The members of PACE local 1148 ( which is 600 plus) do hereby declare our protest against the construction of the proposed Marvin Nichols I Reservoir."

Taylor continued that the local feels the project will be detrimental to the employees of International Paper, Texarkana Mill because of restricted water flow into the Sulphur River, excessive wood costs, and significant effects on the water supply to surrounding areas. Excessive wood costs, according to Taylor, will cause a negative impact in the increased cost of timber and the loss of support jobs associated with the industry.

"The resulting effect on the tri-state region is an estimated $70 million annual loss," he continued.

When Max Shumake, from DeKalb, asked the audience how many were against Marvin Nichols, every person in the room, with the exception of the board, raised their hand.

"I think that says it all," he replied to the board.

Other business at the meeting included passage of the previous meeting minutes, the Infrastructure Financing Report, and financial report. Richard LeTourneau was approved to succeed Ruth Culver on the board. Beth Wisenbaker, from Sulphur Springs, made a motion that one-year and two-year terms not be considered a full term. All members have the opportunity to serve two consecutive three-year terms, but members who drew one-year and two-year terms would still have to be re-appointed by the Texas Water Board. Wisenbaker's motion passed.

Notices were sent to eight local newspapers on May 16 concerning board re-elections. To be eligible, a person must be qualified as set forth in the NETRWPG Bylaws. For people who are interested in the positions, nominations have to be submitted to the principal administrative office of the NETRWPG. Deadline is July 1, 2002. The address is Northeast Texas Municipal Water District, P.O. Box 955, Hughes Springs, TX 75656.

The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 21 at the Gilmer Civic Center.