20240724_Darcey_D-Duke

IIIDivision of Occupational &Environmental Medicine
Department of Family Medicine and Community Health
Duke University Medical Center
Box 3834 DUMC, Durham,NC 27710
Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
May 31, 2024
Dear Elizabeth Ann Davis Crews,
At your request, I am writing to follow up on your recent visit and our discussions
regarding your health concerns about potential exposures to soil and silica dust from
a proposed sand mine adjacent to your property. I have reviewed your Duke medical
record and, given your pulmonary condition, you would be more susceptible to
adverse health effects, than the general public, from inhalation of fugitive dust and
respirable silica emissions (which are not visible) from the site. I understand that you
have shared these concerns with your county commissioners but the special permit
was approved despite your objections and appeal that the sand mining operation
would, "...be detrimental to the health... welfare of the community..." particularly
you (Lenoir County Zoning Ordinance 6.5.1.G.3 criteria for which a permit can be
denied). In addition, the statutory criteria include "the operation will constitute a
direct and substantial physical hazard to public health and safety or to a neighboring
dwelling house..." (NCGS 74-51 (d) criteria for which a permit can be denied).
Clearly, it is in your best health interest if the project does not go forward eliminating
any potential exposure risk. I am available for further discussions with you and any
of the responsible parties regarding the potential health impacts of emissions from
the proposed mining operation.
Sincerely,
f)eow& f)", Vr, VS"
Dennis Darcey, MD, MSPH, FACOEM
Division Chief
Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Department of Family Medicine and Community Health
Duke University School of Medicine