The plaintiff in the case, Bedford Weaving, Inc., is a long-time commercial resident of Bedford. It has operated there for more than 30 years and employs about 115 local residents. It manufactures high quality broad loom fabrics used in a number of industries, including the medical industry. Its manufacturing processes require water that is "soft" and not "hard." A preliminary engineering study of the new Smith Mountain Lake Project suggests the new water from the new water intake will be hard and not suitable for Bedford Weaving's manufacturing process.
Suit Filed to Stop Smith Mountain Lake Water Project
As reported in this morning's Roanoke Times, as well in the Lynchburg News & Advance, the Mottley Law Firm filed suit in Bedford County Circuit Court this week on behalf of a client seeking to halt a significant new water line and water intake project at Smith Mountain Lake. The project is being pursued by the Bedford Regional Water Authority. The project, which is likely to cost tens of millions of dollars, was not one of the listed projects that the Authority was permitted to undertake in its formation documents. The Authority is a new authority that was formed in 2012 by the County of Bedford and the former City of Bedford when the City reverted to town status.