Even as the final disposition of the Intercounty Connector project is being debated, a chilling portent of a possible future occurred back in August. A State Highway Administration contractor accidentally severed an unmarked 10-inch water main near the Paint Branch main stem. The break resulted in severe sedimentation in a portion of one of the metropolitan area’s most pristine waterways. At least one unnamed Paint Branch tributary required sediment removal.

Such environmental harm during preliminary surveying and soil boring activities does not inspire confidence that the SHA and its contractors can minimize damage—as called for by many stakeholders—if the ICC should become a reality. Although the water main break is the most serious event we have learned of, we have heard of other environmental damage by state contractors. Concern was raised in July about the trampling of the state-endangered trailing stichwort (Stellaria alsine) by drilling equipment, and the unnecessary cutting of branches and bark from trees by survey crews.

And SHA has also ... begun the condemnation process by contacting residents in the proposed ICC right-of-way. Many citizens have reported that SHA has gone on private property to survey without proper legal notification. Some residents have received only “drive by” appraisals and told they have 30 days to respond to the State’s offer. ANS has arranged for meetings with several attorneys to advise residents of their rights.

In all, the ICC would impact a total of 459 properties along the corridor. A total of 60 homes or business would be entirely displaced and another 399 properties would be “partially taken,” leaving many homes right up against the noise, lights and pollution of this ill-conceived project.

New ICC coordinator Mike Harold, Dolores Milmoe and community volunteers volunteers have organized a door-to-door campaign in right-of-way areas to make sure residents understand their options and that the ICC is “not a done deal.”