environment

Victory, Our Community Celebrates

/ inkspeare

This Independence Day celebration will certainly be sweeter for the residents of our little town, Chatham, VA, and also our neighbors throughout Pittsylvania County. Our hearts rejoice as one as we realized that as a community, we have defeated a proposed power plant and data center of enormous proportions. I am sharing this article found on SELC (Southern Environmental Law Center) which highlights our fight and victory as a community, and also their valuable research about the great environmental and health damage that such proposal would have caused, not only to our community but to extended areas, as far as North Carolina. You can find the article here .

As AI continues to grow and develop, the need for data centers will increase, and small rural communities will be targeted. It is up to the residents of these communities to weigh the pros and cons of these proposed projects, and the benefits, if any, and make their voices heard, whether they welcome this industry with open arms or not. It is important for leaders of a community to listen to the residents and place these issues on a balance, for a just and satisfactory resolution.

I hope you enjoy reading the SELC’s article referred above.

An Update to the Proposed Power Plant/Data Center (Balico)

/ inkspeare
Photo by M.A.D.

I feel I owe an update to a previous blogpost (Never Faithless) written on November 21, 2024. As I wrote before, my neighborhood was recently challenged by a proposal by Balico, LLC. to build a mega compound of data centers and a large power plant, that would have engulfed an entire community and caused irreparable damage, in my opinion (please, visit previous post for the details). After much opposition by local and county residents (and tons of prayers), Balico decided to withdraw its modified project, thus resulting on a denial of rezoning by the Board of Supervisors, and after the Planning Board did not recommend the project.

Now, Balico is considering other development options on 750 acres of land. The company has expressed the desire to utilize such land for the future construction of a very large housing development project. Assuming the use of the 750 acres, current zoning would allow two dwellings per acre (1500 dwellings). In my opinion, each dwelling can house more than one person, of course, and I think that this number of dwellings would more than double, possible triple or quadruple, the population of our small town, which as of the latest 2020 Census has around 1232 people. With a small population, our town lacks the infrastructure to accumulate such an influx of people; we simply don’t have the resources. It would add a strain in our country roads, schools, mail delivery system, water consumption, and much more. Small towns grow slowly into smaller cities and so on, not overnight.

I see a company that does not care at all for the footprint that it leaves behind but cares only about fast profit without regard of how it is made. Although Balico is in the early stages of exploring other development options for the land, and it has not rendered any concrete plans as of now, one thing is very clear, Balico does not understand us, our values, our way of life.

Never Faithless

/ inkspeare

It is with a heavy heart that I write today. My thoughts and prayers have revolved around the issue that is pressing on the heart of the residents of Chatham and Pittsylvania County, VA. It took us by surprise, concealed by a non-disclosure clause on a real estate transaction, the sale of 2200 acres of agricultural land that surrounds our small community. The proposed rezoning of the land from residential and agricultural to heavy Industrial hit our hearts, minds, and souls as a venomous spear at high speed. The company called Balico LLC wants to build a monstrosity of a project that will have severe repercussions in our little farming community. Here is a picture of a flier that shows you the immensity of this project, a heresy, an abomination in my honest opinion. The area in red that surrounds all tax parcels in our community is where an enormous gas-powered power plant (300 mw site) that will be powered directly by the Mountain Valley Pipeline that crosses our area will exist. Besides the 3.5 GW power plant, the project also proposes a switchyard, a wastewater treatment facility, and a substation (in 13 acres reserved for those), but also 84 large data centers (numbers keep changing between 70-84 depending on the news source, whether70 or 84, it is one too many) that will each one measure 394,000 sf by 40 feet tall approximately. This will all be built around our community, some residents having it next door, while others, like me, will be smacked right in the center of it, surrounded by it on all sides. Mitsubishi turbines will be used according to the developer. I think the power plant will also include 9 gigantic towers that will expel smoke into the air. As you can see in the map, hell is colored in red. The developer thinks that this project will benefit the community and provide many jobs, which I doubt because it will mostly be run by computers. The construction of this monstrosity will take around 10 years or so of disruption to this community, the pain before the pain.

Proposed site for gas-powered power plant and data centers.

By now, you realize how threatened our way of life is, and around here, we like our way of life very much. Many of us moved here for the beauty of the area, the fresh air, and all the blessings the land offers. Many residents have lived here all their lives and have no desire to move anywhere else, while others who have moved away at some point, have returned home. Our home is being threatened by the greed of heartless companies and overseas investors who try to sell benefits and financial prosperity to peaceful communities like ours, all lies, and deceit covered in the stench coming out of their deep pockets. Large numbers of residents continue to oppose this abomination, making their voices and sentiment in various meetings and posting signs in their homes and roads. For now, the developer pulled out the project, only to send another proposal right away.

Sign posted on our road.
Signs like these “adorn” our community now.

This proposed project will affect our community in many ways. The destruction of our land, the pollution of our fresh air and water. Our water and soil will be disturbed and polluted. Two main creeks are in the path of this project. We depend on our water wells. The dependance on public water will hurt the pockets of many residents on a fixed income, certainly another bill that they don’t need. The natural beauty of our countryside will be destroyed. Our real estate values will plummet. Our flora and fauna will be displaced and threatened (so much for Chatham being a bona fide bird sanctuary). There will be sound pollution, for what I understand by the research of our community residents, equivalent to the decibels of a constant running vacuum cleaner. Imagine having that 24/7 in your ears. Our dark skies adorned by stars will be hidden by the light pollution emanating from such a large site. Our farming land will be slowly poisoned. Our health will suffer. Our community will suffer, because no one in their right mind will want to come and live here or even visit the poison pit that Chatham will become (so much for the plans of our town’s revitalization project). And at worst, the imminent threat of eminent domain. Only time will tell the price that we will pay by welcoming this in our town. The losses will certainly be greater than the “benefits.” This project is suitable for another area that is not as rural/farmed, and residential as this one. It truly doesn’t belong here. It hurts more than it benefits a community of people who deeply love their home and country. All over the United States, our farmers are being disrespected by companies/investors who only care about the health of their bank accounts. Next time you are sitting to have dinner at home, think how important these farmers are. Whoever controls the land, controls your food, and by default, your livelihood, and ultimately, your freedom. These data centers are popping everywhere, with disregard of suitability of location, and that is the important issue.

If you would like to help our fight, you can sign a petition https://www.change.org/p/prevent-the-construction-of-the-proposed-power-plant-and-data-centers-in-chatham-va

Your prayers for our community will be appreciated very much.

Never faithless.

Community Solar Farm?

/ inkspeare

These days it is all about solar. Last week, while researching my neighborhood news I came across an article about a community solar farm in our area. I find solar farms hideous, unsightly, and not as good as people claim these to be. For the landowner, it means good rental income for the next 30 years, for the rest of the people, just plain ugly. The article claims that the project will be a small solar farm, concealed by vegetation and remotely operated, no onsite engineers. Let’s hope so. The article claims that Dominion Energy customers will benefit from it, lowering their energy bills. I am not a customer, and we are serviced by a cooperative in the neighborhood, but it might be affiliated somehow. I feel sorry for the neighbors who will have to look at it. It will be located next door to the MVP, another hideous project, halted twice and still in the courts, that will bring no meaningful benefit to our community. I dislike when pretty little towns want to become like big cities, bad fit. Solar farms are popping up all over Virginia. Our little town has approved about 8 or so lately. I saw an interview (on another town) where a poor woman was almost in tears because her home was surrounded in all four sides by acres of solar panels, and she happened to be in the middle, no buffers between her property line and the solar panels, and she demonstrated how she could stretch her hand from her property line and almost touch the panels; these were that close. Once she was surrounded by farmland, and beautiful vegetation, which gave way to this nightmare. Imagine, who would ever want to buy her home? There are many stories of property owners being affected by this. I admit that I did not know much about the topic, so I decided to do a bit of research to educate myself; after all, we will have a small one on almost 57 acres of land nearby. The owners, not local people, but out of state people, who bought the land. Recently, about last week, another 58 acres came up for sale next to it, and these were scooped up right away; I hope not by the same owners.

After researching a bit, it seems to me that solar farms are not as green as these might appear. The panels last about 30 years and during that time, the metals and materials used during manufacturing degrade and end up on the soil or water sources, contaminating these, and posing a risk, if not properly monitored. After 30 years, the solar company is supposed to dispose safely of these panels and clean up the land. Solar panels require a lot of cooling off thus requiring a significant amount of water. We all have wells around here and are very happy with our wells. I hope we do not have to convert to water lines/sewer because we do not welcome the extra expense, and you know how expensive your water bill is. A few weeks ago, I saw a survey company marking utilities in the area. I asked one of the workers, “what are you doing and why?” He truly did not know the answer. He said that he only worked for the survey company and did not know any more information. They were marking utilities as far as route 29, which worries me a bit. As I write this post, I can see the orange and blue markers at a distance, orange is for communication lines… and blue is for water lines.

In addition, the mirrors in the solar panels cause injury to birds, burning their feathers. So much for green energy – soil and water contaminants, which leaves the land not good for future crops, large water requirements to cool down and operate the solar farm, acres of flora destroyed, fauna injuries … In a nearby town, Amazon is planning to set up a Mega Solar Farm, one of the largest. The happy landowners will certainly benefit from it, maybe the next 30 years. Let’s abandon agriculture in the name of solar energy, it surely will taste good in a possible famine. As you might be able to tell, I am not a fan.

Something for you to learn about. I was very happy when the land where this community solar farm will be located changed zoning from R-1 (residential 1) to A-1 (agricultural). For me, it meant more farm use and less dwellings. Little did I know that this change meant that the land use is just one step away now to become industrial zoning. But what do I know? I rather have a stinking cow farm next door than an apartment building, a factory, or a solar farm, so I might not be the best judge or advocate; I’m bias. Well, at least solar farms are quiet, and if properly concealed, I might not even notice it. That is until the future tells a different story on health hazards. Right now, according to WHO – World Health Organization – (and who trust them these days?) there is not sufficient scientific data that solar farms affect health in any way. There is some information on people who suffer from electro sensitivity, which means that the radiation that devices/signals such as Wi-Fi, 5G … emit affect these people severely, even might shorten their lifespan, but nothing concrete.

I even question if it is wise or safe to have a solar farm next to a gas pipeline, but that’s me. Our little town proudly displays a sign that reads “Bird Sanctuary.”

Welcome home solar farms, welcome home.

Simple Beginnings

/ inkspeare

The other day, I was looking outside at the first signs of autumn, looking for an amber or red leaf here and there, while enjoying the silence that surrounded me. I could only hear the birds outside. The cats were sleeping, so the silence embraced the home. I love the green-yellow color of the grass as it is getting ready for winter to come. Autumn is a transition for nature, just as people have their own autumn seasons in life.

As I glanced at the tiny winding dirt path going from my neighbor’s home to her next door neighbor, I realized that I missed those early childhood signs of friendship and closeness between neighbors. The paths that were created by the frequent walks to a neighbor’s home, all natural friendly foot traffic. After living in New Jersey USA, for so many years, and closer to the city, I had forgotten those tiny paths crossing lawns that were so common in my childhood.

I understood that life has changed, and that the tiny dirt roads I admire so much in paintings depicting country settings had become my reality and a symbol of simple beginnings – unpretentious, serene, simple beginnings. I found myself reminiscing, with a smile and teary eyes. Sometimes what we view as the ending is just a new beginning.

Thoreauvian Living – Is it for you? On less is more.

/ inkspeare

Henry David Thoreau – His philosophy is best described as a praise to simplicity, nature, and in more common terms, “less is more.” To live in truth and authenticity.

It is in our nature to search for truth, our truth, and it varies from person to person. When we find it (or think we do) we hold on to it despite social trends or what people may think. I see a movement of many souls wanting to return to simplicity and to nature. Whether they go back to farming, move to the country, embrace tiny-house living, or sell everything and make RV traveling/living their new surroundings and lifestyle, they are all yearning for the same – the sweetness of a simple life.

Many times, a catalyst in people’s lives causes the longing, followed by action and change. The person who has not gone through this process might not comprehend, or think of it as crazy, but only one who knows finds meaning in his/her new truth. It takes simplicity of heart and freedom of mind to embrace your truth, whether you find it in a cabin in the woods or in a penthouse on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan.

To each its own, and to all, truth in being.

Leave Behind What Does Not Fit

/ inkspeare / 1 Comment

Life is a cycle. We are born, grow up, mature, age, and die, but during that time, we are being reborn over and over, not only physically as our organism regenerates, but also, mentally and spiritually. We go trough many experiences that shape and mold our thinking, our souls, leading to spiritual growth while developing our humanity. This growth is as personal as it can get, individual and unique. What may seem unfair for someone is what the person/spirit needs to advance to the next level.

Imagine a perfect life where everything is in balance at all times, where there is no conflict and things always work the way it is expected. How can there be growth? Many times, we observe the person who seems to have the perfect life according to our definition of “the perfect life” and that person seems to be going through a rough patch. Immediately, we put on our judgement glasses and we cannot understand how is possible for Mr. or Mrs. Perfect Life to even feel challenged in her/his environment. Our human minds cannot accept or comprehend it. However, if we take off our judgement glasses and put on spiritual glasses we see that the person is going through his/her own growth cycle and the experience is unique, and at a different level than our own. What that person feels and experiences is what is necessary for the spirit to move along the journey. Sometimes there is growth and sometimes there isn’t, and that is a decision that every soul in the planet has to make according to the choices presented and the opportunity to choose. The adage, “To each, its own” says it well.

When we are experiencing the challenges of life, the opportunities to grow spiritually and humanely, we get the chance to reevaluate our lives, the challenge, past and present experiences, and look into the future with new eyes. We are given the opportunity to leave behind what does not fit anymore, and change armor. We all do it throughout our lives, at our own level and pace. In order to grow, it is necessary to leave behind that which does not fit our Now.

Intellectual Filth

/ inkspeare / 1 Comment

A poem.

 

 

Intellectual Filth

 

Hate, war, pestilence, blood, deceit …

The legacy of human beings.

Oh God, why create such intellectual filth?

Nature does not need this sickness within.

 

The more I think, the more I see,

Faith slowly morphs into pain, hopeless disbelief.

Thin needles slowly prick a cold blue heart,

Bleeding its love, ice melts divine.

 

Oh God, why save such impure hearts?

Isn’t Earth better without virus-man?

Why not clean Earth, wipe us all out?

Have you ever thought of taking us out?

 

With a heavy heart a true voice I heard,

Buried deep in ice, breaking through mind’s cares.

“Many times I thought of doing just that,

Then I saw the one carrying a just heart.”

 

“Oh Child, there I saw

My early gifts bestowed,

Love, peace, compassion, trust, hope…

The pain and desire for a better world.”

 

“Love thriving in one changed a multitudes fate,

Then the one I sent with divine intent.”

“Pure love made flesh, the ultimate gift,

Myself wrapped in him to wipe all the sin.”

 

Oh God, nothing changed, I still see the same.

Destruction, pain, and so much hate.

I close my eyes to not awake,

Hoping not to see another such day.

 

“Oh child of mine, your cares I see.

I see the pain, the heart within.”

“If only you would let Him in,

The love you need will pour right in.”

 

Oh God, you know the world is not me,

The love of one enough won’t be.

Maybe it is best to let me be,

I close my eyes; I rest in peace.

 

“Oh child of mine, did not I say,

That for the one my love remained?”

“The virus-man Love inoculates,

Today I listened, and you I heard.”

 

My Cloud

/ inkspeare / 2 Comments

A poem.

 

Photo by M.A.D.

Photo by M.A.D.

 

 

My Cloud

 

I saw my life in a cloud,

painful memories within.

Hurt and pain, erased filaments of the soul,

Locked up tightly without hope.

 

I saw my life in a cloud,

passing by so fast, remote.

I saw myself as a child,

The adult I have become.

 

I saw my name in a cloud,

called aloud by beauty, white.

Aloofness turning to trust,

Forgiveness gave in to Love.

 

I saw myself in a cloud,

years of pain turned upside down,

by a dream pristine so clear,

that I could believe was real.

 

I saw my life in a cloud,

Beginning, between, no end.

As white blanket dissipates,

Angel mine, at the end awaits.

 

 

The Day I Cried

/ inkspeare / 2 Comments

A little piece of inspiration.

 

The Day I Cried

 

It was eight in the morning. It was Wednesday, or was it Tuesday? I grabbed a cup of coffee that was already half-empty, half-warm, and stared at it. I looked at the calendar and could not decide what day it was, was it Tuesday or Wednesday. I took a sip, and put the cup aside; who likes cold coffee? The day seemed to drag as usual, soon working hours, nothing out of the ordinary. Ordinary, orderly, order, who wants order every day? I looked outside and saw a leaf flying in the wind, or was it a piece of paper? One of those thin-weathered, annoying pieces of trash that seem to appear from another dimension when you least expect it. Was I expecting something? Who likes the unexpected? I turned around to grab a second cup of coffee. This time, I intended to drink it hot. I poured the sugarless black coffee on a new cup. I set it aside; something caught my eye. A black ant struggled by the windowsill; it had three legs, three legs. I watched it as it moved, as if performing a dance of pain where the only audience was a lonely observer. I thought of my coffee. As I went to grab the already warm cup, I collapse on my knees. The cup went flying in the air hitting the windowsill and almost sending a rain shower of warm coffee to the struggling ant. Shattered. I grabbed my chest; the pain I felt sent waves all over my body, chills down my spine converging in my head. I let myself go into the agony of crying as I felt the weight of the world crawling out of my heart, slowly, as a river of pain that floods the spirit and washes the soul. I lay on the floor, on one side, watching the struggling ant reach its destination – the flowerpot near the window. She was safe now. Images of war, revolts, disease, and technology zombies clouded my brain, revealing a dirty planet. I closed my eyes, as if wanting to shut the dams of the heart, only to find out that the more I squeezed them shut, the river grew bigger, and the sound of agony came out of my mouth, a symphony of despair, a song of hopeless cries that shoot into the heavens as hungry ravens in search of food and back. I opened my eyes; the ant wasn’t there, coffee all over the windowsill, a ray of light filtering through the cloudy glass, kissing my forehead. I sat up. The ravens flew away. The spilled coffee seemed as art in an ordinary day – orderly, order. Was it order what I felt? I wiped away the tears, and one by one, collected the pieces of an empty, shattered cup of coffee. There was art in the windowsill, and life in a flowerpot. There was life, after all.

 

Hope you enjoyed it.