CAM takes steps to become nonprofit

MAD RIVER TOWNSHIP ─ A grassroots group of homeowners in Mad River Township, who oppose deep-pit mining on 420.6 acres adjacent to their homes, are taking the necessary steps towards becoming an official nonprofit organization.

Citizens Against Mining — Mad River Township, commonly known as CAM-MRT, was first established in March with a common goal to stop a proposed limestone quarry that would border their neighborhoods and to inform the community about the issue that directly affects hundreds of township residents.

During a community meeting Sunday, April 23, CAM members solidified their efforts and approved a Code of Regulations. The bylaws outline the rules regarding members, the board of directors and officers. Members also elected a seven-member board of directors and four officers to lead the organization. Mad River Township resident Diana Pry, who has taken a leading role in the fight against mining in the township since March 1, was elected president. Tom Lambert, Kim Mitchem and Bonnie Rizzo will serve as vice-president, secretary and treasurer, respectfully. Pry, Lambert, Carol Culbertson, Charles “Chuck” Swaney, Kyle Peterson, Mike Verbillion and Blane Wampler will serve as members of the CAM Board of Directors.

In March, CAM established a Go-Fund-Me page at www.gofundme.com/CAM-MRT where individuals can donate any amount of money that will be used for legal fees, hiring a hydrologist (water specialist) and public education, such as flyers, signs, postage and advertising in local newspapers.

According to Pry, CAM has already paid $1,200 to retain an attorney, and the group has ordered additional yard signs that will be available at the next CAM meeting. People can also donate by going to the Enon Branch of the Security National Bank or send checks payable to CAM, PO Box 222, Enon, OH 45323.

Pry said she hand delivered petitions with 953 signatures to the ODNR, and the organization will continue to circulate petitions and encourage township residents to write letters to the state agency, as well as the Clark County Board of Zoning Appeals and Clark County Commissioners.

Brent E. Huntsman, Chief Hydrogeologist at the Terran Corporation in Beavercreek also spoke to CAM members about a letter he is currently writing and will be sending to the ODNR. Huntsman reviewed the groundwater model Enon Sand and Gravel submitted to the ODNR and determined that the model was incomplete and did not contain accurate data for generating groundwater withdraw impacts.

“Currently my letter is up to nine pages. Enon Sand and Gravel made a report that met the letter of the law, but the model is not representative of what exists,” Huntsman said. “Enon Sand and Gravel should pay to conduct another analysis because the radius of influence is inaccurate.”

Huntsman also told those attending the meeting that the ODNR is required to consider everything given to the state agency.

“They have to really listen. They cannot rubber stamp this,” said Huntsman.

The next CAM public meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, May 7 at Enon Primary School, 120 S. Xenia Drive in Enon.

For more information, visit the Citizens Against Mining – Mad River Township website at https://citizensagainstmining.org.

Linda Collins | Greene County News CAM Board Member Kyle Peterson displays one of the signs that will be erected in Mad River Township
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2017/05/web1_CAM1.jpgLinda Collins | Greene County News CAM Board Member Kyle Peterson displays one of the signs that will be erected in Mad River Township

The April 23 CAM public meeting at Enon Elementery School.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2017/05/web1_cam2.jpgThe April 23 CAM public meeting at Enon Elementery School.

By Linda Collins

Fairborn Daily Herald

Linda Collins is a freelance reporter for Greene County News.

No posts to display