Mining Effects

On the other side of the situation, I have had demands from some of the townspeople to block any form of mining in and around the community. Firstly, they think that there are other ways in which the town can enhance its economic status and still keep the environment a priority. They firmly believe that the mining company will cause irreversible damage within the mountain wilderness and surrounding section of land. Mining the rock will destroy the natural beauty of the uncommonly open and rolling landscape and the town will never again be the same. When operations like this occur, trees and flora must be gotten rid of in order to provide room for the workers to perform their duties. This in turn, will increase the carbon dioxide within the ecosystem and lead to greater amounts green house gases that contribute to global warming. The large groups of wildlife in the area would lose their homes and perhaps even die due to the destruction of their habitat.

Not only will this occur, but because a mine will open there will be machinery and other equipment produced and brought into the area. This type of equipment use a great deal of energy to function and a large amount of money is required to finance them. Although the company profits from the mine, it takes a while to even pay back the costs of the machinery and the energy that allows them to run. Many chemicals are used within the mining process and this along with carbon emission cause both air and water pollution. One of the worst mines in history, the Richmond Mine, was the reason for the exposure of the most acidic water on the planet. Several spills of this liquid have caused the deaths of many fish and plants, and if left unchecked could even end up in the drinking water of the surrounding population. These new scars spread out about our landscape, our area will become less attractive and cause the economy to struggle even more so. The people against the mining company have stated their ideas well and obviously have strong feelings about their side of the predicament.

I have closely examined what thoughts both parties have put forward and this has allowed me to come to a conclusion about my vote. Both opposing sides have clearly expressed their concerns for the financial situation of the town and what may be done to resolve any issues. Those who are for the mine seem to have the more feasible solution of profiting off of the mine by lowering unemployment and then receiving more tax money for the city. Along with this, each group has their specific views about how we can preserve the ecosystem of our region. The townspeople against the creation of the mine strongly feel that the only way to be environmentally conscious is to not make anything that could threaten our wilderness in any way. It is now left up to the elected officials of the town to make a decision that could affect the entire county’s future.

Looking at what is best for the community, I have decided to vote to approve the mining company’s request if they choose to develop a mine in the Tuscarora Hills. I feel that this would be an essential choice if we are looking to preserve and hopefully expand Mercersburg. The company will be required to follow specific laws and guidelines that will help to prevent any environmental damage that may occur. Along with this, they will need to make up for any foliage that is removed during their work by planting a sufficient amount of trees in a neighboring area. By the way things are currently going; not having this mine would just allow our economic process to continue until the town dies out completely.

I do sincerely hope that my choice will not deeply offend those who have different view points than myself. If and when the mine is put in place, all citizens of the town will be thankful of my decision because of the benefits that will significantly alter Mercersburg. On the voting day, I can only pray that my fellow officials will see the creation of a mine as essential as I see it.