"Stop the C.O.B."

Stop the C.O.B.
We, the undersigned, are against the construction of the energy facility in Langell Valley, Bonanza, Oregon (Klamath County).

California Oregon Border Limited Liability Corporation (COB LLC), a subsidiary of Peoples Energy of Chicago, has applied for a permit to build a gas-fired energy facility in Langell Valley. Recently, their application was amended to be an air cooled facility instead of water cooled. (July, 2003)

1) I do not believe the C.O.B. facility should be allowed a permit for the Babson well, even with a lesser amount of water and strict conditions ... if priority is negotiable it is available to the highest bidder and the body of Oregon water law is meaningless. (see footnote *)

2) They should not be allowed to take land out of EFU (exclusive farm use) in this rural agricultural area. Let them find an industrial area in which to site their power plant.
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(This petition is offered as a "letter of public comment" to Oregon's Energy Facility Siting Council and Klamath County Commissioners relating to amended application of C.O.B. Energy Facility proposed by Peoples Energy of Chicago)

* (footnote) "Oregon water law is based on the priority of water use. The first to put a water source to beneficial use establishes the first priority to its use. In the event that the deep water bearing zones and the more shallow water bearing zones are connected then they are one aquifer. If they are one aquifer at least 35 other individuals hold water right certificates or permits with senior priority on that ground water source. We know of no Oregon statute or administrative rule that authorizes a change in priority by conditioning the permit or certificate. If priority is now negotiable it is available to the highest bidder and the body of Oregon water law is meaningless."