The proposed Middleway bottling facility raises significant questions about the future of Jefferson County’s natural resources, public health and long-term economic development. This project proposal represents a critical point for our rapidly growing community, highlighting the importance of residents staying informed and actively involved in shaping the future of Jefferson County.

Groundwater extraction, which this project relies on, is not listed as a permitted land use under Jefferson County’s Zoning and Land Development Ordinance. This omission reflects a deliberate recognition of the potential risks associated with such activities. Moving forward with the bottling facility would not only strain existing regulations, but would also set a concerning precedent.

Jefferson County’s karst topography presents unique challenges for groundwater management. Karst terrain consists of porous limestone formations, creating a system of interconnected underground channels that allow water to flow unpredictably. Over-extraction could disrupt this delicate balance, depleting water supplies for neighboring wells and potentially mobilizing a known chemical plume at the former 3M site. This plume contains trichloroethylene (TCE) and dichloroethylene — carcinogenic contaminants resulting from historical industrial pollution. Altering the groundwater flow could spread these pollutants, creating serious remediation challenges and risks to public health.

Another consideration is the facility’s contribution to plastic waste. Single-use plastic bottles are a significant environmental challenge, as they often end up in landfills, waterways or the broader environment. Encouraging industries that only add to this issue, seems at odds with efforts for better stewardship of our planet, especially when alternatives like refillable water stations are available.

Equally alarming is the process by which this proposal has unfolded. Large-scale projects like this are rarely developed without significant preliminary discussions, yet the public was only informed after key decisions were likely made. Transparency and early community engagement are essential for maintaining public trust, especially for projects involving shared natural resources like groundwater.

West Virginia has a long history of natural resource-based industries, and while these have often been economically beneficial in the short term, they’ve also left lasting, harmful impacts. It’s worth considering whether the bottling facility aligns with Jefferson County’s goals for sustainable and diverse economic growth.

This is not simply a matter of opposing development. Thoughtful economic progress requires careful planning and adherence to regulations that reflect the needs and values of the community. Dismissing residents with real, fact-based concerns as “radical activists” not only undermines public trust, but also sidesteps the responsibility of leadership to engage with the community in good faith. As residents, we should advocate for businesses and initiatives that align with these principles–and we expect our elected officials to do the same, no matter how “radical” it may seem to insist on transparency and accountability.

I encourage all Jefferson County residents to attend the hearing on Dec. 17, to engage with local elected officials and to ask the necessary questions. What are the long-term implications of this project? How will it impact our water, our health and our economy? And most importantly, is this the best use of our shared resources?

Carrie Blessing, of Shepherdstown