CPASA continues battle for local water rights – Published in the Aug. 30-Sept. 5 edition of the JC Sentinel
This week’s Member Spotlight is on the Citizens for the Protection of the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer (CPASA). This organization was formed in response to the proposed sale and transfer of major quantities of groundwater from the Aquifer to Central Oklahoma. In early 2002, 661 citizens in the region came together in Tishomingo and signed a petition that was sent to the elected officials of the state of Oklahoma, urging them to address the importance of the protection of the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer. According to CPASA.net, “Oklahoma water law in effect at the time allowed for removal of the water with no consideration of the fact that the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer is the sole source of sustainable water supply for the region. CPASA held the position that the law was wrong and needed to be changed.”
Due to cooperation between several local entities, businesses, area stakeholders and legislators, Senate Bill 288 passed the Oklahoma Legislature in 2003. The groundbreaking bill applies only to the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer and recognizes the interconnectivity between groundwater and surface water, science which is not acknowledged anywhere else in State law. CPASA recently challenged the due process aspect of the Department of Mines mining application process, a challenge that resulted from the Arbuckle Aggregates application to mine. The Court of Civil Appeals gave a lengthy list of suggestions to the Department of Mines in an attempt to ensure that every citizen’s right to protest and participation in the permitting process is upheld.
CPASA continues to work diligently to protect the river, streams and creeks, which emanate from the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer and you too can get involved! CPASA meets monthly and has several membership categories available. You can visit their Facebook page or aforementioned website, call 580-371-6817, or email cpasa288@gmail.com.
Read next week for a Spotlight on 3C Cattle Feeders.
Please join us for two ribbon cuttings this week – the first will be held at Ann’s Flower Boutique on Friday, August 31st at 11:30AM, as they have moved in with The Vanity Salon at 107 E. Main Street. The second will be at the new J Gray’s Vapor Shoppe location at 204 E. Main Street on Saturday, September 1st at 10:00AM. Each will have refreshments provided! Other events this week include Little Indian Football & Cheer on Saturday morning and a three-day weekend with Labor Day on Monday.
Our new members include Kay Watson, Nikole’s Country Store, Old Silo Winery and J Gray’s Vapor Shoppe – which puts us at 203 members – wow! The Chamber is growing and if you’re not a part of it, jump right in!
“Glory belongs to the act of being constant to something greater than yourself, to a cause, to your principles, to the people on whom you rely and who rely on you in return.” – John McCain
-Jordyn Frazier
