20231228_Atkins-B

From: Barron Akins
To: NCMininaProaram; Parr,Adam; Barron Akins
Subject: [External] Fuquay Quarry
Date: Thursday,December 28,2023 2:51:13 PM
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Dear Adam and NC DEQ, I am writing to express my opposition to the expansion of
the Fuquay Quarry outright, as it will have a negative impact on the surrounding area.
As per permit denial criteria in 74-51(d)(2) and (d)(4), our property adjoins the subject
expansion property, and although it is located on the north corner of Martin Merrita's
proposal, I am concerned about the noise pollution that will result from the expansion.
I am requesting more setback berms to mitigate as much sound and disturbance as
possible if the project moves forward. Furthermore, as per G.S. 74-50(d)-(2), our land
is currently used for wildlife hunting, and the noise from blasting will spook the
animals, reduce the number of animals that habit our property, reduce the current
purpose of land as hunting lease, and be harmful to natural wildlife habitat. In
addition, the mining operation will diminish the quiet enjoyment of our adjoining
property and will have an environmental impact on the Buckhorn stream that runs
through our property. I am particularly concerned about the request to pump sediment
into this stream from the mine pit. Buckhorn Creek runs through our property into
Harris Lake, which is undergoing a Harris Lake lake habitat fishing project and
adverse impact of quality and fish wildlife projects underway. I also want to draw your
attention to the comments from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission regarding the
impact of this mining project. They have planted approximately 5,700 native aquatic
plants in Shearon Harris Lake in an effort to mitigate the loss of invasive aquatic
vegetation and provide important habitat. The mine expansion area is approximately
2.5 miles upstream of Harris Lake on Buckhorn Creek, and there is a risk of additional
erosion and sediment plumes in the creek and reaching the lake. This can be harmful
to fish recruitment and other forms of aquatic life and can limit the productivity of
submerged aquatic vegetation
Please see comments from NC Wildlife resources commission:
"We have planted approximately 5,700 native aquatic plants in Shearon Harris Lake in an
effort to mitigate the loss of invasive aquatic vegetation and provide important habitat. It looks
like the mine expansion area is approximately 2.5 miles upstream of Harris Lake on
BuckhornCreek. My biggest concern would be additional erosion and sediment plumes in the
creek and reaching the lake. This can be harmful to fish recruitment and other forms of aquatic
life and can limit the productivity of submerged aquatic vegetation.
Kirk Rundle
District 3 Fisheries Biologist
NC Wildlife Resources Commission"
G.S. 74-50(d) (2-4) denial certera:
Mining operation that poses significant health risks from silica generated during the
mining process. Have due diligence studies have been conducted for three mines
operating in close proximity to each other and if the cumulative effect of dust from two

mines at MM Fuquay Quarry and the Fredsmith Mine have been considered and the
negative health and wildlife impacts. MM plans on mining two mines simultaneously,
and it's unclear if similar studies have been conducted for the effects of dust and
environmental impact.
The Fuquay Quarry Permit has many material inaccuracies and missing information.
The 401 permit listed is for the wrong quarry and does not have the correct 401
permit number listed, highlighting the material defenices and brings to questions the
due diligence of this application.
• The average life of a mine is 50 years, but Martin Marietta has stated an
expected 100-year life, which needs clarification. DEMLR must consider the
long-term impacts of this mine due to the longer-than-usual projected life.
• The application materials lack a hydrogeological report, which should be
provided before DEMLR approves the permit. The quarry needs to provide an
assessment of dewatering impacts on groundwater volumes and flow, surface
water recharge rates, and the estimated "zone of influence." The quarry should
also conduct a well survey for at least a 1-mile distance from the total project
boundary.
• No blasting assessment is included, but one is necessary to establish a blasting
plan, operating times, flyrock control protocols, dust and debris control
protocols, public safety measures, etc. Modeling the impact of ground vibrations
on neighboring properties, including any structures, should also be included.
• There isn't any acoustical report, so an actual acoustical study must be
conducted before anyone can determine whether the quarry would warrant
denial under 74-51(d)(4) due to noise impacts. The quarry should not be
allowed to include its existing quarry noise within "background" noise levels, and
impulsive noises (like blasts) should not be averaged (e.g., over an hour).
• The permit # 20061887v3 listed on the 401/404 Permit (Water Quality Permit)
(issued by the NC Division of Water Resources) is incorrect and is for a different
site. Other maternal inaccuracies should be reviewed.
• The NC NPDES General Permit No. NCG020000 and Certificate of Coverage
No. NCG020069 will negatively affect Buckhorn Creek through sediment
discharge and the Harris Lake wild flight project.
• The Air Quality Permit (issued by the NC Division of Air Quality) with permit
number 09124 is not appearing in the Division's permit viewer or on edocs.
I urge you to consider the above-mentioned concerns and deny the permit for the
expansion of the Fuquay Quarry. Please take action to protect the environment and
the surrounding communities. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely,
Barron & Belvin Akins
850.814.3702