Preserve our waterways

We moved to Bluewater Creek for our retirement years because this area personifies Southern charm in its people, places and natural beauty.

We previously lived near major rivers (Detroit and Chicago) that suffered from poor management, became toxic, and continue to struggle after many years and millions of dollars have been spent to restore them. TVA controls what is built on the shores of the Tennessee River, but the control of substances poured into the water is left to state and local governments. We must be vigilant!

A recent TimesDaily.com article revealed that Alabama is 48th in the country in protecting the environment. Top state officials were needed to help residents fight and win a battle with a company that was selling New York sewage to be placed on Alabama ground. Now, another private company plans to profit by building a sewage treatment plant that will dump chemicals and waste into the slow moving waters of Mill and Bluewater creeks. The ADEM permit draft appears lenient and may allow raw sewage to "bypass" the treatment facility and, under certain circumstances, flow directly into the water.

Controlled growth is highly desirable and will benefit everyone. Uncontrolled growth can have potentially hazardous results.

The water concerns in Atlanta illustrate the benefit of being proactive in establishing long-term cost-effective, ecologically sound solutions to human needs. We encourage the Killen Town Council to work with Florence and other communities to establish a comprehensive plan for the treatment of waste water.

Please preserve the beauty, dignity, integrity and safety of this wonderful place.

Paul and Patti Colba

Rogersville