When it comes to Lake Lynn Generation’s proposal to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to remove 307.1 acres surrounding Cheat Lake from federal protection, Friends of the Cheat said it best: “FOC does not fully understand the justification for the removal of these lands from the Project Boundary.”
Lake Lynn Generation has said the removal is largely for administrative purposes — simplifying the project’s boundary to only cover lands necessary for operation and maintenance of the power station. (It’s important to note that the following public access areas will remain inside the boundary and therefore under federal protection: Cheat Lake Park, Cheat Haven and Tower Run nature viewing areas, Sunset Marina boat ramp and parking lot and Tailwater fishing access.)
The company has also repeatedly said it will not sell the removed land. This claim has understandably been met with skepticism, which has led to some rather contentious public comments and hearings.
If Lake Lynn Generation wants to smooth things over, there are few things it could do:
1. Offer a clearer and more detailed explanation of why the 307 acres need to be removed from the project boundaries, as well as a detailed explanation of what would happen to the land once it is no longer under FERC protection.
2. Provide a legally binding document guaranteeing that the company won’t sell the land, especially not for any kind of residential or commercial development.
3. Put the land in a trust or otherwise donate it to an organization that would safeguard the land and its recreational opportunities, such as the Monongalia County Commission, BOPARC or FOC.
West Virginians, in particular, have learned the hard way that companies’ promises are too often empty. Lake Lynn Generation will have to offer something more tangible than verbal assurances.
