- Target:
- City of Camden Board of Aldermen
- Region:
- United States of America
- Website:
- ProtectBentonCounty.com
Several weeks ago, the owners of 20 parcels of land, clustered in 9 parts of Benton County received a letter dated March 12, 2013 from the City of Camden. This letter warned them that "As you may or may not know, the City of Camden has the right of imminent [sic] domain.
In other words, the right to condemn your property if it appears that your property is suitable for [a] land application system." The letter goes on to threaten condemnation if property owners do not consent to allowing a soil scientist to inspect the properties.
Make no mistake, "land application" is the technical term for a "spray field:" a depository for treated human waste and sewage, also known as wastewater. Spray fields have the potential for far-reaching and powerful odors, and residents who live anywhere close to these sites are at risk for diminished property values and quality of life. In order to meet the City of Camden's needs, the spray field in this case would have to total approximately 300 acres.
We OPPOSE the condemnation of Benton County land and the placement of a spray field near dozens or hundreds of Benton County residents.
We, the undersigned, call on the Mayor and Board of Aldermen in Camden to stop any plans to condemn Benton County property for the purpose of wastewater disposal. We argue:
- Eminent Domain is a heavy-handed tool that is contrary to the spirit of private property. It is unfair to Benton County landowners and should only be used as a last resort, not a first option.
- It is unfair to Benton County residents that would have to live near a disruptive new development that could diminish their quality of life and property values.
- The City of Camden owes it to Benton County to fully explore additional options for wastewater disposal. The City of Waverly has been able to dispose of its wastewater without land application and we should too.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it
The Protect Benton County - No Eminent Domain For Spray Fields petition to City of Camden Board of Aldermen was written by Protect Benton County and is in the category City & Town Planning at GoPetition.