City can’t risk failure regarding waterways

Published Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Columbia Daily Tribune

Editor, the Tribune: In my mind, Missouri’s wild and scenic rivers such as the Current, the Eleven Point and the Jack’s Fork are the heart of the state. How could we bear to lose them?

Similarly, the creeks of Rock Bridge and Three Creeks are the heart of Boone County. They have survived so far in a relatively pristine state and are rich in beauty, species diversity and recreational value. As we crowd them with development, we must not risk losing them.

Unfortunately, we still don’t have a watershed plan for this area. So we need to ensure that the Philips development will not just do what the developer thinks is "practical and feasible" to protect Gans and Clear creeks. Protection must be guaranteed. The developer’s storm-water engineer says that controlling impervious surface - the amount of roofs, parking lots and roads - isn’t necessary with best management practices, or BMP, and low-intensity development. However, the issue is far from settled by the scientists.

Given that, it would be irresponsible for our city to allow this amount of intensive development so close to Rock Bridge Memorial State Park without requiring a baseline standard for storm-water quantity and quality. And if, after the necessary hydrologic models are done, they show more land is needed for the BMP to work properly, then the density must be reduced.

A handshake and a "hope" for this massive development is not enough. Once a stream is ruined, there is no going back. We can’t risk failure.

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Dee Dokken
804 Again St.