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The Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League has or has had chapters in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. Under the BREDL banner, thousands of concerned citizens have made their mark for environmental justice. Our chapters have raised public awareness and have won many battles against environmentally damaging projects and proposals throughout the southeast. These have ranged from landfill expansion, coal ash dumps, high and low-level nuclear dumps, natural gas pipelines, dirty energy, four-lane highways, and clearcut logging in our national forests. Below, check out each BREDL chapter and the issues involved. Also, please check out our Chapter Spotlight section for more details on our chapters.

This page updated July 20, 2020

North Carolina | South Carolina | Virginia | Maryland | Tennessee | Alabama | Mississippi | Georgia

Alamance County, NC

No Snow Camp Mine

active

concerned about a proposed quarry in Snow Camp

Clean Air Now (CAN)

emeritus

Clean Air, Stericycle medical waste incineration

Neighborhood Environment Watch (NEW)

emeritus

NEW works towards controlled emissions of a steel galvanizing plant that operates next to a child care center. Members also keep a close watch on the Alamance County, NC community by monitoring planning board and county commissioner meetings and alerting citizens when polluters threaten.

Be Safe Not Sorry (BSNS)

emeritus

In 2007, BSNS organized and joined BREDL to fight the threat of an asphalt plant in Alamance County. Following a well-attended public hearing and much publicity generated by BSNS, The Alamance County High Impact Land Uses/Polluting Industries Ordinance was adopted and blocks not only asphalt plants, but other polluters as well. BSNS keeps a close watch on the community by attending planning board and county commissioner meetings and alerting citizens when polluters threaten. BSNS also continues to work towards controlled emissions of a galvanizing plant that operates next to a child care center.

Group Against Stericycle's Pollution (GASP)

emeritus

Group Against Stericycle's Pollution, in its campaign against a commercial medical waste incinerator, held an Anti-incineration Day rally at the Alamance County Courthouse, the first public action for group. The local television station interviewed a young mother and the Burlington newspaper printed a favorable story. GASP is challenging Stericycle's Clean Air Act Title V permit and is seeking a good neighbor agreement. Members activities include a booth at a community festival in Graham and a strategy meeting in Wisconsin with other groups working on Stericycle. Martha Hamblin reports the group received a $5,000 grant from Health Care Without Harm. GASP plans a gospel music "Celebration of Clean Air."

Alleghany County, NC

Alleghany Citizens for Environmental Safety (ACES)

emeritus

concerns with a proposed asphalt plant in Laurel Springs, NC

People for a Clean Environment (PCE)

emeritus

People for a Clean Environment will advocate for fresh air and clean water and will be responsible caretakers of the earth. We will promote awareness in this and future generations so that the environment will continue to be protected.

Anson County, NC

Pee Dee Water, Air, Land and Lives (Pee Dee WALL)

active

{formerly known as Anson County Citizens Against Chemical Toxins and Underground Storage (CACTUS)}
hydraulic fracking, biomass

Ashe County, NC

BREDL Home Office

Contact: 
Lou Zeller , Executive Director
BREDL
P.O. Box 88 
Glendale Springs, NC 28629
phone: 336-982-2691
fax: 336-982-2954

Protect Our Fresh Air

active

concerned about an asphalt plant

Ashe Citizens Against Pollution (ACAP)

emeritus

Ashe Citizens Against Pollution successfully forced their mountain county to pass a Polluting Industries Ordinance which has survived a prolonged legal assault by an asphalt plant company. ACAP organized to stop an asphalt plant which would have located near residential areas and the county high school. Tri-County Paving sued the county government over the ordinance and lost every time. The ordinance requires 1000 foot setbacks from homes and schools. ACAP members plan to monitor the situation and hold annual barbeque picnics to stay together.

Avery County, NC

Pineola Concerned Citizens

emeritus

asphalt plant, air quality, water quality

Avery Environmental Council

emeritus

solid waste, recycling

Bertie County, NC

Bertie Citizens Action Coalition (BCAC)

emeritus

solid waste, hog factories, environmental justice

Brunswick County, NC

Cape Fear Citizens For A Safe Environment

active

Hugo Neu auto fluff landfill
(formerly Brunswick Citizens For A Safe Environment)

Swamp Watch Action Team (SWAT)

emeritus

The Swamp Watch Action Team (SWAT) is a grassroots environmental organization formed early in 2000 as a community response to wetland abuse by the pulpwood industry in Brunswick County, North Carolina. SWAT has pushed for investigations by the Army Corps of Engineers, EPA, and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) into the environmental wrongdoing in the Green Swamp and have requested water testing (from NC) for those communities threatened by forestry herbicide abuse. SWAT continues to press for an end to the use of aerialy sprayed herbicides. SWAT is opposed a mega-dump in Columbus County, in the Green Swamp, right on the Brunswick county line.

Alliance for Responsible Swine Industry

emeritus

Buncombe County, NC

SAFE Carolinas

emeritus

Asheville, NC group concerned about nuclear energy

North Buncombe Against the Dump (N-BAD)

emeritus

solid waste

Burke County, NC

Save Linville Gorge Wilderness

active

We are a growing coalition of citizens that see the U.S. Forest Service's prescribed burns in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area as proposed in the Grandfather Restoration Project as a transgression of the purpose of Wilderness.

Chesterfield Hartland Environmental Protection Association (CHEPA)

emeritus

hazardous waste, solid waste, land use planning

Burke Citizens for Environmental Responsibility (BCER)

emeritus

solid waste, stopped regional landfill

Camden County, NC

Camden Citizens Action League (CCAL)

emeritus

megadump threatens the Dismal Swamp, requires barge shipping in the Intracoastal Waterway

NC Ground Zero

emeritus

nuclear waste issues, Southeast Compact

Caswell County, NC

Protect Caswell

active

concerns regarding quarry and asphalt/concrete plant

Concerned Citizens of Caswell

emeritus

solid waste, stopped regional msw landfill

Chatham County, NC

Chatham Citizens Against Coal Ash Dump (CCACAD)

active

coal ash

Chapel Hill Organization for Clean Energy (CHOCE)

active

Concerned about unhealthy and unsustainable combustion energy (currently coal, gas, pellets, and methane) used in the UNC on-site power plant facilities and the coal ash disposal site located under the Chapel Hill police station.

Columbus County, NC

Friends of the Green Swamp ( FOG )

emeritus

Friends of the Green Swamp has reported that Columbus County's proposed flood plain amendment was tabled in October at the request of Riegel Ridge. A variance could be allowed only if there is no other landfill site outside the floodplain, and the county's own studies show this not to be the case. The chapter is working closely with the Swamp Watch Action Team. Campaign slogans have included, "No landfills in the floodplain," and "Landfills in the Floodplain isn't just a dumb idea, its illegal." FOGS organized to stop a biological treasure from being selected for a regional solid waste dump. The Green Swamp in coastal North Carolina is recognized by the United Nations' Biosphere Reserve Program. Riegel Ridge is the corporation seeking to build the dump, but state law prohibits landfills in floodplains unless a county grants a variance. Jeff said, "The next couple of months should be very interesting." FOGS posts regular campaign updates on its website.

Chapter Spotlight: Friends of the Green Swamp, Columbus County, NC - More details. (posted Jan. 18, 2003)

Cumberland County, NC

Cumberland County Caring Voices (C3V)

active

Atlantic Coast Pipeline

Davidson County, NC

Friends of Rich Fork Creek

emeritus

concerned about Rich Fork Creek

Good Neighbors of South Davidson

emeritus

The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled in favor of Good Neighbors of South Davidson. The group sued when a chemical plant got illegal satellite annexation and rezoning in their residential and agricultural community. In the course of the fight, the district court ruled in the citizens' favor but the appeals court reversed the decision. BREDL board member Al Murr said he appreciates BREDL's support. John Runkle was their attorney in the case.

Davie County, NC

Davie Environmental Awareness League (DEAL)

emeritus

Davie County, NC, citizens promoting a healthy environment. DEAL organized to fight additional hazardous waste incinerators in NC. Now we promote environmentally sound industries for responsible growth in Davie County.

Key issues: hazardous waste, solid waste recycling, zoning and county planning, residential solar energy, MRS - Monitored Retrievable Storage (of high and low level radioactive nuclear waste)

Duplin County, NC

Citizens for a Safe Environment of Eastern NC (CSE)

active

Citizens for a Safe Environment succeeded in stopping two solid waste threats in their rural county: an experimental solid waste gasification project and a commercial solid waste landfill. The gasification plant was proposed by Global Waste International. In support of the local campaign, BREDL presented a researched report to the county on the problems of waste gasification technology and Bonnie & Claude Ward contacted officials in Alaska to debunk the company’s claims about a gasification unit in Barrow. Following revelations about the failure of the Alaskan prototype, county officials rejected Global Waste's offer. David Mickey, BREDL Solid Waste Campaign Coordinator, says Citizens for a Safe Environment is now pressing for a zero waste plan. The group has raised about $25,000 in the course of this campaign and plans to hold public forum featuring national experts on zero waste programs. CSE first organized to stop a Waste Industries, Inc. commercial solid waste dump.

Durham County, NC

Chapel Hill Organization for Clean Energy (CHOCE)

active

Concerned about unhealthy and unsustainable combustion energy (currently coal, gas, pellets, and methane) used in the UNC on-site power plant facilities and the coal ash disposal site located under the Chapel Hill police station.

Forsyth County, NC

Fight Forsyth/Stokes

emeritus

landfill

Triad Environmental Action

emeritus

Triad Environmental Action organized local events in Winston-Salem for BREDL's Mock Nuclear Waste Cask tour. TEA opposes a nuclear waste dump in Nevada. TEA has a broad agenda including a zero waste program, a Duke Energy corporate campaign which is bringing shareholders resolutions on energy and environmental issues, and an anti-poison plastic campaign to stamp out PVC use. TEA members organized a public showing of Judith Helfand's award-winning documentary Blue Vinyl.

Voice of Triad Residents (VOTR)

emeritus

Transportation and Land Use

Friends of Blanket Creek Wetlands

emeritus

Residents in the Clemmons-Lewisville area of Forsyth County have been working together to persuade Duke Power to relocate a planned transmission line through a large wetland in their neighborhood.

Granville County, NC

Granville Musicians and Friends

emeritus

hazardous waste incineration, stopped HW incinerator

Granville Residents Environmental Action Team (GREAT)

emeritus

hazardous waste, stopped incinerator

Granville Residents Opposed to Waste (GROW)

emeritus

hazardous waste, stopped HW incinerator

Greene County, NC

Greene Citizens for Responsible Growth

active

Ed Jones of Greene Citizens for Responsible Growth reported that 200 people attended a recent meeting on the regional, commercial landfill proposal and not one person supported the plan. He said one person supported a zero waste strategy. The county took no position at the meeting and a formal hearing is to be held. Earlier this year GCRG won a landmark decision in the NC Court of Appeals in the first test of North Carolina's environmental justice statute. The law is written to prevent new landfills near existing landfills with minority or indigent populations. As a result of the suit, the county was to start over with a study of alternative sites. In 1997 the dump company bought options on landfill property and then began its studies, a backwards process which ran afoul of the law. Recently, the company reported on 12 sites, including the site owned by them. They eliminating ten flawed sites, leaving two, one of which was the original location, and they recommended the original site to the county! GCRG organized four years ago to fight an Addington/Republic commercial solid waste dump. Ed Jones says his expectations when he began this struggle were quite different. He thought the fight would take four or five months. Greene Citizens is now in its fifth year of campaigning.

Guilford County, NC

Friends of the Deep River (FODR)

emeritus

water quality, Deep River protection

Contact:
FRIENDS OF THE DEEP RIVER
PO BOX 624
JAMESTOWN, NC 27282
336-337-0811
Tom Duckwall (treasurer)
TomFDuckwall@cs.com

Triad Environmental Action (TEA)

emeritus

Triad Environmental Action organized local events in Winston-Salem for BREDL's Mock Nuclear Waste Cask tour. TEA opposes a nuclear waste dump in Nevada. TEA has a broad agenda including a zero waste program, a Duke Energy corporate campaign which is bringing shareholders resolutions on energy and environmental issues, and an anti-poison plastic campaign to stamp out PVC use. TEA members organized a public showing of Judith Helfand's award-winning documentary Blue Vinyl.

Voices of Triad Residents (VOTR)

emeritus

Transportation and Land Use

Neighbors for Environmental Safety Today (NEST)

emeritus

Neighbors for Environmental Safety Today in Guilford County, NC is celebrating the closure of the Waste Management, Inc. landfill. NEST defeated WMI expansion seven times.

Chapter Spotlight: Neighbors for Environmental Safety Today, Guilford County, NC - More details about the fight and closure of the Piedmont Landfill. (posted Nov. 5, 2004)

Neighbors for a Cleaner Colfax Tomorrow (NFACCT)

emeritus

asphalt plant

Watchdogs In the South East (WISE)

emeritus

asphalt plant

Halifax County, NC

Concerned Stewards of Halifax County

emeritus

Atlantic Coast Pipeline

Citizens Against Regional Dumping (CARD)

emeritus

Citizens Against Regional Dumping are against Halifax County’s plans for a regional, commercial landfill to be operated by WMX in their community. Residents of Aurelian Springs are stating their refusal to allow their land to be taken for an expanded landfill site. On December 5, 2000, the Halifax Board of Commissioners released a statement which said,  "The Board of Commissioners will not consider the proposal from Waste Management Inc. for a Solid Waste Disposal Franchise.  As a result, the public hearing and action on the franchise request have been taken off the agenda.  It is the intent of the Halifax County Commissioners not to consider this proposal further."

Haywood County, NC

Haywood Environmental Action League (HEAL)

emeritus

solid waste, recycling

Citizens for Improving Mountain Living

emeritus

concerns with an auto racetrack in their community

Beaverdam Against Nuclear Dumping (BAND)

emeritus

nuclear waste, stopped nuclear dump

Henderson County, NC

Citizens Against the Asphalt Plant (CAAP) {affiliate}

emeritus

Citizens Against the Asphalt Plant got the North Carolina Science Advisory Board chairman to testify that the state's toxicology was unsound. The SAB recommends lowering allowable levels of 32 toxic air pollutants. Janet Stewart, CAAP Chairperson, described it this way, "One thing that keeps us going is if we can win this case it will help the rest of the state, on asphalt and other plants. Its a public health issue." Janet Stewart joined BREDL and started CAAP to stop an asphalt plant near her home and 100 yards from an elementary school. Following a well-attended public hearing and much publicity generated by CAAP, the state issued an air permit. The group's attorney filed against the Division of Air Quality. CAAP challenged the state's computer model because it permitted too much toxic air pollution including formaldehyde and benzene. Janet Stewart, said, "We can no longer keep our windows open because of the fumes coming in." But CAAP continues the fight.

Iredell County, NC

Iredell Citizens Against Asphalt Plants (ICAAP)

active

asphalt plant

Elmwood Strong

active

asphalt plant and quarry

Rowan - Iredell Citizens for a Clean Environment

active

Jackson County, NC

Save A Valuable Environment (SAVE)

emeritus

recycling, solid waste

Johnston County, NC

No Pipeline Johnston County

emeritus

Atlantic Coast Pipeline

Lee County, NC

EnvironmentaLEE (ELEE)

active

Dedicated to preventing fracking and to protecting the environment and educating the public about environmental issues.

Lincoln County, NC

Stonewall Coalition

emeritus

air quality, stopped diesel-electric generator

Macon County, NC

Macon Against the Megadump

emeritus

solid waste landfill issues

Neighbors Against the Cullasaja Asphalt Plant (NACAP)

emeritus

An organization of neighbors fighting for the freedom of their property: to be undisturbed by the poisons of others. To live the way they want, and breathe pure air.

Madison County, NC

Sustainable Madison

active

concerned about an asphalt plant

Madison Environmental Alliance (MEA)

emeritus

nuclear waste, solid waste, recycling, environmental education, forest issues, stopped nuclear dump, Bluff Mountain Campaign

McDowell County, NC

McDowell Environmental Health Authority

emeritus

Protect All Children's Environment

emeritus

Established in 1987 for people poisoned by the now-banned pesticide, Chlordane, PACE exists to give comfort and support. Through PACE, pesticide victims provide support to fellow survivors on an all-volunteer, not-for-profit basis.

McDowell County Chapter of BREDL

emeritus

McDowell County Chapter of BREDL, founded by Elizabeth O'Nan to stop a proposed polyvinyl chloride plastic plant near Old Fort, NC, reported a victory; the company has withdrawn its proposal. The year-long campaign alerted the county to the toxic dangers of PVC. Elizabeth credits her young daughter, Daisy - her "right-hand man," with major assistance in the victory. The chapter has recently added new polluters to its target list: 1) They filed a Clean Air Act 505 petition on May 2, 2002 against a permit for Trigen, Inc., a power plant which burns carpet scraps, and 2) Jeld-Wen, which is snowing toxic sawdust on the community of Greenlee.

McDowell Citizens Against Regional Dumps (McCard)

emeritus

solid waste, stopped msw regional landfill

Mecklenburg County, NC

Citizens for a Healthy Environment (CHE)

emeritus

BMWNC medical waste incinerator in Matthews, NC

Group Responsible for A Clean Environment (GRACE)

emeritus

solid waste landfill

Prisoners Of Our Homes (POOH )

emeritus

air quality, medical waste incinerator

Mitchell County, NC

Mitchell County Citizens for Clean Air

emeritus

asphalt plant

Nash County, NC

Nash Stop the Pipeline (NSTP)

active

Atlantic Coast Pipeline

Northampton County, NC

Northampton County Citizens Against Coal Ash

active

Fighting an 880-plus acre coal ash dump

Northampton Citizens Against Pollution (N-CAP)

emeritus

air quality, hazardous waste, hog factories, stopped HW incinerator

Onslow County, NC

Protecting Onslow County Neighborhoods Foundation (PON)

emeritus

asphalt plant in Jacksonville, NC

Orange County, NC

Chapel Hill Organization for Clean Energy (CHOCE)

active

Concerned about unhealthy and unsustainable combustion energy (currently coal, gas, pellets, and methane) used in the UNC on-site power plant facilities and the coal ash disposal site located under the Chapel Hill police station.

Citizens for Responsible Growth

emeritus

asphalt plant

Pender County, NC

Coastal Environmental Awareness Group (CEAG)

emeritus

hazardous waste, hog factories, environmental education, stopped HW incinerator

Pender Environmental Group (PEG)

emeritus

Annie Bannerman of Pender Environmental Group in Burgaw, NC reported that the Fund for Southern Communities granted PEG $5,000. She said, "We have been waiting for this grant money. The three year deadline is approaching the statutory limit, and there are 9 families still living in the Burgaw Creek community. All the others left because of contaminated water. The state is coming in to build a highway which will move the others out. We have been dispersed." PEG is seeking a lawyer to bring a case against the state for allowing environmental and public health damage caused by the Lewis Sausage Company's straight-piping of human sewage into Burgaw Creek, upstream of her community. This year PEG and BREDL staff weighed in when Lewis Sausage appealed to the NC Environmental Management Commission to drop fines for eight water quality violations. The fine was left in place owing to PEG's work.

Alliance for Responsible Swine Industry (ARSI) {1992 - 1997}

emeritus

multi-county alliance - hog factories

Person County, NC

Person County People Rising In Defense of Ecology (PC PRIDE)

active

concerned about an expansion of the commercial solid waste mega-dump operated by Republic, Inc. in Person County

Woodsdale Concerned Citizens Group

active

concerned about a rock quarry and asphalt plant in Person County

Polk County, NC

Foothills Action Committee for the Environment

emeritus

Richmond County, NC

Concerned Citizens of Richmond County

active

concerned about increased pollution caused by the expansion of a combustion turbine complex

Save Our Abundant Resources (SOAR)

emeritus

concerned about a commercial solid waste megadump

FOR Richmond County's Environment (FORRCE)

emeritus

nuclear waste, stopped nuclear dump

Rockingham County, NC

Citizens Alliance for Rockingham's Environment (CARE)

emeritus

solid waste, recycling

Rowan County, NC

Rowan - Iredell Citizens for a Clean Environment (RICCE)

active

air quality, stopped HW incinerator

Rowan Citizens Against Pollution (RCAP)

emeritus

Rowan Citizens Against Pollution turned out in large numbers in August to hear the state's report on risk assessment from asphalt industry facilities near the Milford Hills neighborhood of Salisbury. Dr. Rick Weisler grew up there and has uncovered alarming numbers of brain tumors, pancreatic cancers, multiple myelomas, adenocarcinomas, and other diseases associated with the pollution. In a letter to the state health director, BREDL's Dr. Weisler said, "Based on the evidence I have seen, I believe there can be no reasonable doubt that ExxonMobil, Associated Asphalt, Chevron Asphalt, REA Construction, PAPCO, APAC, Southern States, and the former NCDOT asphalt test lab have adversely impacted worker and/or resident health and welfare." Last year Rick formally petitioned ATSDR to investigate and remediate twenty-six additional sites which were identified in a decade-old assessment of contaminated North Carolina Department of Transportation test sites. In March RCAP and BREDL asked the state Division of Public Health to declare the area a public health nuisance but the division issued a report which downplayed the risk. At the August meeting, Billie Alexander rose to say that there are three brain cancers within one block of her home and that that "seems way too significant to me." Rick asked the federal ATSDR to avoid North Carolina's mistakes and to use better data in its health assessment, "Otherwise, garbage in, garbage out."

Rutherford County, NC

Rutherford County Citizens Against Pollution

emeritus

concerns with a proposed asphalt plant in Henrietta, NC

Friends for a Cleaner Rutherford County

emeritus

solid waste, stopped msw landfill

Rutherford Environmentalists Against Pollution (REAP)

emeritus

Rutherford Environmentalists Against Pollution is a not for profit grass roots organization concerned with the effect of air quality on our health. REAP's main purpose is to peacefully protest poisoning of our air and to educate the public. The county commissioners along with 1,600 citizens and two medical doctors have joined REAP in asking the state of North Carolina for a long term weather study before allowing another asphalt plant . The Environmental Protection Agency  (EPA) has also requested North Carolina's Department of Air Quality to reduce it's air pollution by 30%. The state of North Carolina has refused to listen and continues to permit asphalt plants not only in Rutherford County but throughout the state.

Sampson County, NC

Sampson County Citizens for a Safe Environment

active

Concerned Citizens of Sampson County

emeritus

solid waste landfill

Scotland County, NC

Scotland County Of Tomorrow (SCOT)

emeritus

mega landfill proposed in region

Chapter Spotlight: Scotland County of Tomorrow, Scotland County, NC

Stokes County, NC

No Fracking In Stokes

emeritus

fracking

Fight Forsyth/Stokes

emeritus

Hickory Alliance

emeritus

The Hickory Alliance is a group of concerned citizens dedicated to preserving the environment and quality of life of the Northwest Piedmont by preventing the construction and operation of a high capacity chip mill to be located in Pine Hall, Stokes County, North Carolina.

Surry County, NC

Citizens Alliance for a Clean, Healthy Economy (CACHE)

emeritus

fibrowatt

Citizens Against the Privatization of Public Services (CAPPS)

emeritus

Citizens Against the Privatization of Public Services is opposed to Waste Industries, Inc.'s attempt to buy the Surry County, NC landfill from the county. On Sept. 29, 2003, the Surry County Board of Commissioners broke off negotiations with Waste Industries Inc. concerning the Surry County Landfill.

Swain County, NC

Wake-Up! (I-TSI-YE-GI)

emeritus

solid waste, stopped regional landfill, orphan dumps, environmental education, tribal sovereignty

Transylvania County, NC

People for Clean Mountains

emeritus

gasification

Union County, NC

Group Against Sheaffer's Pollution (GASP)

emeritus

Group Against Sheaffer's Pollution has waged a multi-faceted campaign against the Town of Marshville's and Sheaffer International's plan to construct and operate an experimental waste treatment facility. Serving Marshville and a Pilgrim's Pride intensive poultry operation, the facility would rely on the spraying of human and poultry waste on farmland. GASP's campaign has included legal action to challenge the faulty permit and deceptive buffer agreements, creative radio and newspaper ads, turnout to town meetings and hearings, public records requests under the North Carolina statute, researching and spotlighting the company's abysmal track record in Virginia, and rallies and parades. The centerpiece of one parade was a float showcasing an outhouse representing Sheaffer's "new technology." The chapter has used signs effectively: one read "Gasp now so you can breathe later."

Chapter Spotlight: Group Against Sheaffer's Pollution, Union County, NC - More details, contacts, and download the GASP brochure in our Chapter Spotlight section. (posted 11/16/02)

Wake County, NC

Residents Against the Landfill (RAL)

emeritus

Residents Against the Landfill are doing publicity and more fundraising for a legal campaign to stop a county landfill. John Runkle is the attorney in the environmental justice case. John Allen, president of RAL reported, "We expect to win the verdict." For three years RAL has organized community opposition to a dump in Holly Springs, NC. The group coordinated a Citizen Advisory Committee on solid waste and pressed Holly Springs not to issue a franchise permit.

Citizens for Responsible Government in Wake County

emeritus

concerned about the environmental contamination which would result if a new waste water treatment plant is constructed in their community.

Watauga County, NC

Watauga Citizens for Local Control

active

Concerned about legislation which has removed Boone's right to establish extra territorial jurisdictions (ETJs).

High Country Wataugans Against Toxins Close to Home (WATCH)

active

asphalt plant

Mountain People Incorporated (MPI)

emeritus

air quality, stopped diesel-electric generator

Citizens Against Pollution (CAP)

emeritus

Citizens Against Pollution in Watauga have racked up another victory against an asphalt plant within the extra territorial jurisdiction of the Town of Boone. CAP leaders have helped other communities across North Carolina by pushing for stronger regulation of asphalt plants and other smokestack industries.

Wilkes County, NC

Roaring River Against the Dump

emeritus

solid waste, wood chip mills

Community Action to Repair the Environment (CARE)

emeritus

radioactive and hazardous waste clean-up, won clean-up of radioactive dump

Wilkes Environmental Action League (WEAL)

emeritus

recycling, water quality, environmental education, hog factories

Wilson County, NC

Wilson County - No Pipeline

active

Atlantic Coast Pipeline

Yadkin County, NC

Citizens for Yadkin County's Environment

emeritus

hog factories

Yancey County, NC

Burnsville Air Report Card (BARC)

emeritus

asphalt plant

Chester County, SC

Serious Chester County Residents Against Pollution (SCCRAP)

emeritus

incinerator

Horry County, SC

Horry Environmental Action Team (HEAT)

emeritus

asphalt plant

Marlboro County, SC

Citizens for Marlboro County

emeritus

Chapter Spotlight: Citizens for Marlboro County - Read more about their fight to keep a proposed megadump out of Marlboro County. (posted 04/16/08)

Orangeburg County, SC

Citizens Organization for Rights and Empowerment (CORE) {affiliate}

emeritus

Community Organization for Rights and Empowerment reported that they are opposing three Clean Air Act Title V permits near Holly Hill, South Carolina. Virginia Townsend, President of CORE, says that nine members of her family died in last year in the Boyer community. They had body sores and rashes. Virginia described the pollution as "Something so bad in the air it took my breath." She said it smelled like gunpowder and that two days later her face broke out. People three miles away reported smelling it. She said Boyer residents are in terrible predicament. Ms. Townsend appreciates the guidance from Lou and Janet Zeller who came to the public hearing on Blue Circle cement plant and also delivered comments on the Georgia Pacific fiberboard plant.

Spartanburg County, SC

Foothills Action Committee for the Environment (FACE)

emeritus

asphalt plant pollution, air

York County, SC

Fort Mill Citizens Action Group (FMCAG)

emeritus

Fort Mill Citizens Action Group has staved off a natural gas/diesel electric generating plant in the residential community of York County, South Carolina. The group challenged Calpine's proposal with the South Carolina Public Services Commission, citing excessive air pollution, the company's financial instability, and the lack of need for the power plant. Merchant plants are electric generating facilities that serve any location in the market. One plant opponent said, "Someone else gets the electricity while we get the pollution." Members of FMCAG have been active in opposing the use of plutonium fuel at Duke's McGuire and Catawba nuclear plants and the plutonium fuel factory and new weapons plant at the Savannah River Site.

York County BREDL (YCB)

emeritus

incinerator and landfill

Albemarle County, VA

Peoples' Alliance for Clean Energy (PACE)

emeritus

In response to Dominion Resources early site permit request for new nuclear power plants at the North Anna facility in Louisa County, VA, concerned citizens in Louisa and the surrounding area have founded PACE - the Peoples' Alliance for Clean Energy. PACE is committed to stopping the construction of new reactors and replacing these plans with clean energy sources and conservation techniques.

Buckingham County, VA

Concerned for the New Generation (CNG)

active

Atlantic Coast Pipeline Compressor Station

Clarke County, VA

Earth Allies

emeritus

Frederick, Warren & Clarke counties

fracking and pipelines

Floyd County, VA

Preserve Floyd

emeritus

Citizens Preserving Floyd County, working with other local citizens, to stop pipelines in/across Virginia.

Franklin County, VA

Preserve Franklin

active

Preserve Franklin has chosen its name and its mission to be in synch with others which lie along the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline route.

Virginians for Appropriate Roads

emeritus

Virginians for Appropriate Roads (VAR) is a grassroots organization working to protect the integrity of our farmlands, forests and rural communities by supporting fiscally conservative and environmentally sound transportation policies. VAR is opposed to the proposed new terrain I-73 highway in southwest Virginia, and to similar highway projects which threaten our region with irreparable cultural and environmental damage, and which levy an unacceptable financial burden on the citizens of Virginia and the Nation. Upgrading and repairing existing roads and bridges, and in particular Route 220 from Roanoke to the North Carolina border, is the responsible way to meet the Roanoke Region's highway needs.

Virginians for Appropriate Roads reported that the final environmental impact statement on I-73 through Roanoke has been delayed. VAR efforts and consultation work with Harry Reem , a historic preservation consultant from Arlington, VA, has led to a section of S.E. Roanoke to be eligible for historic designation. The approved I-73 route would traverse this section. Now, VDOT will need to look at alternatives to avoid this area. VAR is also seeking eligibility status for another community which would be eliminated by the I-73 route. Andrea Ferster, a public affairs lawyer in Washington, D.C., is assisting VAR. VAR dubbed I-73 "The Incredible Shrinking Interstate." West Virginia, the originator of the proposed highway, is not building to interstate standards and in North Carolina only a few pieces may be constructed.

Contact:
Ann Rogers

Chapter Spotlight: Virginians for Appropriate Roads Read the May 2004 VAR newsletter. (posted 05/13/04)

Frederick County, VA

Earth Allies

emeritus

Frederick, Warren & Clarke counties

fracking and pipelines

Grayson County, VA

People for a Clean Environment (PCE)

emeritus

Alleghany Co., NC and Grayson Co., VA

People for a Clean Environment will advocate for fresh air and clean water and will be responsible caretakers of the earth. We will promote awareness in this and future generations so that the environment will continue to be protected.

Graysonites For Progressive Change

emeritus

air quality, transportation

Henry County, VA

Citizens for Clean Environment (CFCE)

Fieldale and Carver Environmental Society (FACES)

emeritus

rock quarry, asphalt plant

Louisa County, VA

Peoples' Alliance for Clean Energy

emeritus

Montgomery County, VA

Citizens for Arsenal Accountability (CAA)

emeritus

CAA is dedicated to reversing the terrible air, water and soil pollution created by the burning of wastes at the Radford Arsenal in southwest Virginia.

Nelson County, VA

Protect Our Water! (POW!)

active

fracking

Pittsylvania County, VA

Piedmont Residents In Defense of the Environment (PRIDE) - {2011 - current}

active

They are fighting the reinstatement of uranium mining in Virginia and the creation of a uranium mining and milling operation at Coles Hill, in Pittsylvania County, VA.

Pittsylvania County Preservation League

active

Concerned about the Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate Extension

Piedmont Residents In Defense of the Environment (PRIDE) - {2001-2005}

emeritus

Wyndy Gilb organized Piedmont Residents In Defense of the Environment to oppose the hazardous waste-burning at the Solite Cascade aggregate kiln. The group is doing a door-to-door health survey and raising funds locally for the campaign. Together PRIDE and BREDL filed a Clean Air Act 505 petition to the federal EPA, citing numerous flaws in Virginia's air permit. When the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality announced that it planned to grant a Clean Air Act Title V permit to the company, BREDL requested a public hearing. DEQ held the hearing in Cascade, Virginia; many local citizens who attended found DEQ officials unresponsive to their requests. After the hearing these people formed PRIDE and joined BREDL. PRIDE's goal is to end the poisoning of their community. PRIDE plans to connect with others who are concerned with a hazardous waste cement kiln operated by Giant Cement in South Carolina. In January 2005, Solite Corporation notified the Virginia DEQ that the Virginia Solite facility at Cascade would be closed.

Richmond, VA

No ACP/Virginia People’s Climate

active

Atlantic Coast Pipeline

Roanoke County, VA

Preserve Bent Mountain/Roanoke

active

Preserve Bent Mountain/Roanoke is a citizen advocacy group (based in Roanoke, Virginia) formed in opposition to the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC (MVP). We maintain that the placement of this pipeline will adversely affect the quality of life in all areas it transects. Our mission is the following:
increase awareness of the detrimental impact of this pipeline
educate citizens regarding property rights
promote citizen involvement
encourage citizens to make their voices heard
hold legislators responsible for due diligence, transparency and inclusion of their constituents
monitor the process as MVP moves forward with their application for approval.
act to provide programs, document our resources, and publicize our findings as needed

Virginians For Appropriate Roads (VAR)

emeritus

Virginians for Appropriate Roads (VAR) is a grassroots organization working to protect the integrity of our farmlands, forests and rural communities by supporting fiscally conservative and environmentally sound transportation policies. VAR is opposed to the proposed new terrain I-73 highway in southwest Virginia, and to similar highway projects which threaten our region with irreparable cultural and environmental damage, and which levy an unacceptable financial burden on the citizens of Virginia and the Nation. Upgrading and repairing existing roads and bridges, and in particular Route 220 from Roanoke to the North Carolina border, is the responsible way to meet the Roanoke Region's highway needs.

Virginians for Appropriate Roads reported that the final environmental impact statement on I-73 through Roanoke has been delayed. VAR efforts and consultation work with Harry Reem , a historic preservation consultant from Arlington, VA, has led to a section of S.E. Roanoke to be eligible for historic designation. The approved I-73 route would traverse this section. Now, VDOT will need to look at alternatives to avoid this area. VAR is also seeking eligibility status for another community which would be eliminated by the I-73 route. Andrea Ferster, a public affairs lawyer in Washington, D.C., is assisting VAR. VAR dubbed I-73 "The Incredible Shrinking Interstate." West Virginia, the originator of the proposed highway, is not building to interstate standards and in North Carolina only a few pieces may be constructed.

Contact:
Ann Rogers

Chapter Spotlight: Virginians for Appropriate Roads Read the May 2004 VAR newsletter. (posted 05/13/04)

Salem, VA

Citizens for Positive Growth

emeritus

proposed asphalt plant

Smyth County, VA

Mountain Heritage Alliance (MHA)

emeritus

Mountain Heritage Alliance is working with the Virginia Wilderness Committee, SELC, and Virginia Forest Watch to promote and preserve potential Wilderness areas in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area during the ongoing Jefferson National Forest Plan Revision. MHA has hiked, mapped, and photographed four candidate areas in the MRNRA. MHA organized in the early 1990's and mounted a successful campaign to stop the four-lane expansion of U.S. 58 through the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. MHA member and BREDL SW Virginia Vice-President Mark Barker has submitted formal comments on new air permits at fossil fueled power plants. With help from BREDL staff, Cogentrix's 1100 MW power plant has been challenged. This is one of the biggest proposed gas-fired plants in Virginia. The permit is now on hold. Mark and BREDL have filed comments on the largest polluter in Virginia, the Clinch River coal-fired power plant operated by American Electric Power. The issues raised included plant modifications which resulted in larger air emissions which should have triggered prevention of significant deterioration requirements of the Clean Air Act. Mark utilized legal documents from New York State, which had also filed suit against AEP. Mark also commented on statewide power plant impacts to the State Corporation Commission.

Mountain Empire Environmental Team (MEET)

emeritus

air quality, superfund toxic clean-up, stopped incinerator

Warren County, VA

Earth Allies

emeritus

Frederick, Warren & Clarke counties

fracking and pipelines

Wythe County, VA

Wythe Environmental Action Group (WEAG)

emeritus

asphalt plant

Baltimore, MD

People Against A Radioactive Chesapeake (PAARC)

emeritus

Baltimore, MD and Calvert Co., MD

Opposed to the construction and operation of the proposed nuclear reactor at Calvert Cliffs Unit 3 in Maryland. The Construction and Operation License application was officially withdrawn in 2015.

Calvert County, MD

People Against A Radioactive Chesapeake (PAARC)

emeritus

Opposed to the construction and operation of the proposed nuclear reactor at Calvert Cliffs Unit 3 in Maryland. The Construction and Operation License application was officially withdrawn in 2015.

Cumberland County, TN

Bellefonte Efficiency & Sustainability Team (BEST)

active

Cumberland Co, TN, Hamilton Co., TN & Jackson Co., AL

The purpose of this chapter is to work together to safeguard the environmental quality of our Tennessee Valley region (parts of TN, AL and GA) and the health of its people. Through education and interventions we work to promote Tennessee Valley Authority's transition away from nuclear and fossil fuel power in favor of alternative energy resources. We have been successful in halting plans to construct reactors at Bellefonte Nuclear Plant in Hollywood, Alabama. Presently we are conducting citizen radiation monitoring around Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant and intervening to stop the relicensing of Sequoyah Nuclear Plant reactors.

Hamilton County, TN

Bellefonte Efficiency & Sustainability Team (BEST)

active

Cumberland Co, TN, Hamilton Co., TN & Jackson Co., AL

The purpose of this chapter is to work together to safeguard the environmental quality of our Tennessee Valley region (parts of TN, AL and GA) and the health of its people. Through education and interventions we work to promote Tennessee Valley Authority's transition away from nuclear and fossil fuel power in favor of alternative energy resources. We have been successful in halting plans to construct reactors at Bellefonte Nuclear Plant in Hollywood, Alabama. Presently we are conducting citizen radiation monitoring around Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant and intervening to stop the relicensing of Sequoyah Nuclear Plant reactors.

Johnson County, TN

Watauga Watershed Alliance (WWA)

active

Formerly known as Johnson County Citizens Committee for Clean Air and Water (J4CAW), Watauga Watershed Alliance is concerned about a dairy CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) proposed in their community.

Shady Valley Neighbors for Clean Air and Water

emeritus

fumigant agricultural chemicals being sprayed on crops and soil erosion

Concerned Citizens of Trade (CCT)

emeritus

asphalt plant

Washington County, TN

Citizens for Responsible Government (CRG)

emeritus

solid waste

Jackson County, AL

Bellefonte Efficiency & Sustainability Team (BEST)

active

Cumberland Co, TN, Hamilton Co., TN & Jackson Co., AL

The purpose of this chapter is to work together to safeguard the environmental quality of our Tennessee Valley region (parts of TN, AL and GA) and the health of its people. Through education and interventions we work to promote Tennessee Valley Authority's transition away from nuclear and fossil fuel power in favor of alternative energy resources. We have been successful in halting plans to construct reactors at Bellefonte Nuclear Plant in Hollywood, Alabama. Presently we are conducting citizen radiation monitoring around Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant and intervening to stop the relicensing of Sequoyah Nuclear Plant reactors.

Tishomingo County, MS

Tri-State Concerned Citizens (TSCC)

emeritus

This chapter, with members from TN, AL and MS, is focusing to stop a Silicon plant proposed for Burnside, TN. TSCC works to stop projects that pollute the environment in excess of regulatory standards in the Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee tri-state area, and to encourage sustainable, environmentally-compliant, industrial development.

Burke County, GA

Concerned Citizens of Shell Bluff

active

concerned about proposed two new nuclear reactors at Vogtle Nuclear Plant

Dekalb County, GA

Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Environment

active

concerned about biomass-fueled power plant

Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Environment (CHASE) were formed to fight a proposal to build a polluting facility in Lithonia, Georgia of South DeKalb, County. Lithonia is a suburb just outside of the City of Atlanta. Despite warnings of the adverse public health and financial impact of this project, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners recently voted to grant a Special Land Use Permit to Green Energy Partners, LLC (GEP) to build a biomass gasification incinerator.

The facility is designed to burn wood to make energy, and would spew tons more pollution into the already heavily polluted air in the South DeKalb area. There are many reasons why this proposed plant would be hazardous to people and the environment.

Jefferson County, GA

Jefferson Environmental Defense Initiative (J.E.D.I.)

emeritus

Jefferson Environmental Defense Initiative (J.E.D.I.) is an organization of concerned citizens who advocate clean growth for a healthy community. The proposed North Star Biomass Incinerator to be built between Wadley and Bartow, GA (less than 2 miles upwind from Carver Elementary School) is a dirty business. The smokestack pollution will endanger the health of downwind residents and contribute to mercury pollution in the Ogeechee River. Clean growth makes good economic sense, but the citizens of Jefferson County should stand up and oppose this dirty Biomass Incinerator. We should not sacrifice our children's health to make a buck.

Lowndes County, GA

Wiregrass Activists for Clean Energy (WACE)

emeritus

Wiregrass Activists for Clean Energy (WACE) is a citizen group of all ages in southern Georgia and includes parents, students, educators, retirees, business owners and church leaders from Valdosta and Lowndes County. We are interested in promoting clean and sustainable energies for the future. These include solar, wind, geothermal and others, but not biomass, fracking, or nuclear power.

Madison County, GA

Madison County Clean Power Coalition

active

Madison County Clean Power Coalition formed to find solutions to problems associated with the GRP Madison Biomass Power Plant. Our mission is to advocate for communities polluted by the processing and burning of toxic creosote treated railroad ties used as fuel for power generation. Our goal is to stop GRP from burning railroad ties and burn only untreated wood as promised. We also are working to mitigate air, water, land, noise, and light pollution resulting from the plant.

Rabun County, GA

Rabun Gap Chapter

active

concerned about hazardous waste site, water quality

Richmond County, GA

BREDL Staff
Community Organizer

BREDL community organizer Charles Utley is campaigning against toxic and radioactive pollution from the Savannah River Site weapons production plants. He reported that his community has high death rates. Charles is on the mayor's brownfield commission and he is working to unite black and white communities on these issues. Charles said, "It's an ongoing process, but being part of BREDL gives us key information for this campaign."

Contact:
Charles Utley
Phone: 706-772-5558

Earth Stewardship - Environmental Democracy - Social Justice - Community Empowerment