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* * *Hazardous debris noted in river at R&R bridge
From Glenda Graham
Cave Junction
Have you taken a good look at Rough and Ready Creek beneath the “third bridge” being repaired?
Although not proven, it appears to me that the creek is being polluted by irresponsible, thoughtless bridge repair employees and the company they work for.
The creek’s water, that eventually flows into and on down the Illinois River, is being poisoned, I feel, by all the rust and corrosion coming off the metal waste that, although not yet proven, apparently is being tossed into the water below the bridge being constructed on Hwy. 199.
I was shocked and sick at heart when I saw how much terrible junk had been dropped, it seems, from the bridge by whom I assume are so-called professional builders. But, I was mad as heck when I realized that a lot of discarded metal and cable chunks are positioned right beneath the water to literally impale innocent swimmers unfortunate enough to rush into the water too fast.
I cannot understand how anyone could so blatantly pollute such an important source of water for the valley. Is there no conscience? Is there someone with so little humanity that they don’t care about the fish and animals being affected through negligence?
Where are the state inspectors who should be keeping watch? Where are the normally outspoken environmentalists who usually watch and prevent these kinds of situations? There must be laws and procedures in place to restrict destruction of our environment.
What about liability? There are no caution or warning signs anywhere in sight that would inform others of the possibility of such dangerous garbage out of sight underneath the water. There are so many rusty nails covering the bottom of Rough and Ready Creek under the bridge construction that any placing of a foot causes it to step on at least two to three nails.
This is not just one or two nails accidentally dropped -- this is hundreds of long rusty nails. Who is doing it?
I’m talking about dozens of pieces of rusting metal chunks and cable parts. I also retrieved from the water a hammer, a tape measure, a men’s watch and a Swanson speed square. Luckily, the reflecting yellow of the tape measure caught my eye under the water in the shade of the new bridge before we were hurt.
If they are responsible, this is not acceptable behavior from bridge workers and the company they represent. If it’s not them, we need to find out who it is.
As a mother, I have always stressed to my son the importance of being responsible and how his behavior can have a big effect on the land and its wildlife.
He understands why we don’t toss a piece of garbage on the ground. So when our children see anyone acting so badly, what do you suppose they will be thinking the next time we try to teach a valuable lesson?
Valley needs cleaning, recent visitor claims
From James T. Reeves
Westminster, Calif.We were in your town and valley a few weeks ago, and would like to say that it has some lovely spots. But it also has some unattractive locations too.
I’m talking about weeds and trash in your downtown, plus some unsightly businesses whose owners ought to step back and take a look at what customers see. Or should I say, potential customers.
As for the weeds and such, isn’t there a civic club or group of volunteers -- such as high school students, Boy Scouts or retired people -- that could devote some time to chopping weeds and picking up trash?
It wouldn’t take much to improve appearances.
Hazardous debris noted in river at R&R bridgeFrom Glenda Graham
Cave Junction
Have you taken a good look at Rough and Ready Creek beneath the “third bridge” being repaired?
Although not proven, it appears to me that the creek is being polluted by irresponsible, thoughtless bridge repair employees and the company they work for.
The creek’s water, that eventually flows into and on down the Illinois River, is being poisoned, I feel, by all the rust and corrosion coming off the metal waste that, although not yet proven, apparently is being tossed into the water below the bridge being constructed on Hwy. 199.
I was shocked and sick at heart when I saw how much terrible junk had been dropped, it seems, from the bridge by whom I assume are so-called professional builders. But, I was mad as heck when I realized that a lot of discarded metal and cable chunks are positioned right beneath the water to literally impale innocent swimmers unfortunate enough to rush into the water too fast.
I cannot understand how anyone could so blatantly pollute such an important source of water for the valley. Is there no conscience? Is there someone with so little humanity that they don’t care about the fish and animals being affected through negligence?
Where are the state inspectors who should be keeping watch? Where are the normally outspoken environmentalists who usually watch and prevent these kinds of situations? There must be laws and procedures in place to restrict destruction of our environment.
What about liability? There are no caution or warning signs anywhere in sight that would inform others of the possibility of such dangerous garbage out of sight underneath the water. There are so many rusty nails covering the bottom of Rough and Ready Creek under the bridge construction that any placing of a foot causes it to step on at least two to three nails.
This is not just one or two nails accidentally dropped -- this is hundreds of long rusty nails. Who is doing it?
I’m talking about dozens of pieces of rusting metal chunks and cable parts. I also retrieved from the water a hammer, a tape measure, a men’s watch and a Swanson speed square. Luckily, the reflecting yellow of the tape measure caught my eye under the water in the shade of the new bridge before we were hurt.
If they are responsible, this is not acceptable behavior from bridge workers and the company they represent. If it’s not them, we need to find out who it is.
As a mother, I have always stressed to my son the importance of being responsible and how his behavior can have a big effect on the land and its wildlife.
He understands why we don’t toss a piece of garbage on the ground. So when our children see anyone acting so badly, what do you suppose they will be thinking the next time we try to teach a valuable lesson?
Valley needs cleaning,recent visitor claims
From James T. Reeves
Westminster, Calif.
We were in your town and valley a few weeks ago, and would like to say that it has some lovely spots. But it also has some unattractive locations too.
I’m talking about weeds and trash in your downtown, plus some unsightly businesses whose owners ought to step back and take a look at what customers see. Or should I say, potential customers.
As for the weeds and such, isn’t there a civic club or group of volunteers -- such as high school students, Boy Scouts or retired people -- that could devote some time to chopping weeds and picking up trash?
It wouldn’t take much to improve appearances.
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