20210607_J-Chestnut

From: Johnny Chestnut
To: Parr. Adam
Subject: [External] Public Hearing 6-7-21
Date: Monday, June 7, 2021 3:24:49 PM
Attachments: Johnny"s Signed Letter- Parker Mine.pdf
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Adam,
Here are my written comments for the Parker Mine public hearing 6-7-21. Please acknowledge
receipt, and placement of your files.
Johnny Chestnut

June 7, 2021
Mr. Adam Parr
Assistant State Mining Engineer
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
Department of Environmental Quality
1612 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1612
Dear Mr. Parr,
Concerning the proposed Quarry Mining Application for the Old Parker Mine, my name is Johnny
Chestnut, I live at 323 S. Main Street in New London, and, also own the house and property at 327 S.
Main Street next door to my current residence. Both of which are approximately 2200 feet from the
proposed Quarry Mine property. The house on 327 S. Main Street has an enclosed open well on the
back porch.
Sometime during the time frame 1988-1989 era, a sink hole in the driveway of the property developed.
This sink hole was approximately 3 to 4 feet across and was approximately 1 foot deep. This occurred
after a large rain. The hole was filled in but continued to sink deeper and deeper and at one point, you
could see approximately 10' into the ground on one side. Large rocks, cinder blocks gravel, and dirt
were put into the hole for several months until it finally stopped sinking. There is a depression still
visible in the driveway to this day where this happened. Also during this time, the open well was visibly
checked and found to be completely dry with only a few small puddles on the mud bottom. This well
was not used, so not much thought was put into it. At the time it was not known that the Parker Gold
mine was pumping water at a rate of 60 gallons per minute. It is my belief that this pumping of water at
the mine had a direct effect in causing the sinkhole, and the well drying up. The well refilled around the
same time the sinkhole stopped sinking
There are 3 Cemeteries near the mine property. The Town of New London Cemetery, approximately
2600 feet away, Parker's Grove Church Cemetery approximately 800 feet away, and the Parker Family
Cemetery bordering the Mining Property.
Just imagine the Horror, and Shock of Family and Friends interring the body of a loved one, or family
member in these close areas, and hearing the sound, and feeling the jar as High Explosives are
detonated. This would be in addition to all the noise pollution they would be experiencing. I cannot
imagine exactly how these people would feel. As for the very old Parker Cemetery bordering the
property, Mr. Parker was born in the American Colonies of England March 5, 1757. He was a veteran of
the American Revolutionary War. He was a Prisoner of War held by the British Loyalists for over a year.
He was in several battles fighting the Tories who were British. There is a 4-sided monument
approximately 6 feet in height in the center of the cemetery, and numerous unnamed graves. What
could happen to this historic site if a Quarry Mine went into operation right beside of it.
As for High Explosives I feel this would have a devastating effect on my houses, as well as other
resident's property. You can feel vibrations from heavy trucks traveling on Main Street in my residence,
and neighbors, have frequently said they feel the vibrations also. I fear the high explosives will damage
my property, as well as surrounding properties. In addition to damage this will result in an overall
lowering of property values in and surrounding our town.

There are four Churches in close proximity of the Mine Property. The closest is approximately 675 feet,
the furthest is approximately 2160 feet away. I cannot image these churches trying to hold Services,
Weddings, Funerals, and other special events with the noise pollution, and the jars and sounds of High
Explosives being detonated. Not including property damage to the Church buildings themselves.
Also, there are 3 Schools and a Learning Day Care Center in New London that are in close proximately to
the mine property. NC Tarheel Challenge Academy is located approximately 990 feet away. This is a
closed Campus Military Boot Camp Style School for at risk teens 16 to 18 years of age. The students live
on campus and receive a High School Diploma upon Graduation.
Christ the King Christian Academy a Private School is approximately 2025 feet from the mine Property.
This is a grade K through 12 School.
North Stanly High School is approximately 3700 feet from the mining property. This is a 2A High School,
and host numerous sporting events.
In addition to these schools, All Star Daycare Learning Center is 1075 feet away from the mining
property.
I fear a Quarry Mine that will be this close to these valuable education centers would be detrimental to
the daily operations of these facilities. Imagine a student taking an exam and having all the noise
pollution, and jars of High Explosives interrupting his or her concentration. This could have a devastation
effect on the outcome of their studies. Not to mention the possible damage to the buildings
themselves.
Our Town has two beautiful town parks. One is located approximately 1000 feet away, and a brand new
park located approximately 1600 feet away. The new park has not even been dedicated yet. Both of
these parks are heavily used. The new park on a pretty day has an average attendance of 40-60 people
during the week, with even more on the weekends.
Our town did not spend this much money on these parks knowing a Quarry Mine with all the negative
impacts associated with it would be opening right next to them.
The aforementioned Schools and Daycare all have outside recreation areas, as well as the Parks being
outside recreation areas. Mr. Rashawn King reported in error to the Mining Division that no park, or
recreational areas are located within 5 miles of the proposed quarry mining site.
In closing, it is my belief that if approved, this Quarry Mine would change our beautiful town of New
London forever and negatively impact our way of life. As I have tried to point out it will have a negative
impact on our Water Table, as well as more possible sinkholes. Disruption to Services in our Cemeteries,
and Churches, and disruption to small learning minds in our several schools, and Daycare learning
center, and disruption to quiet peaceful outings in our parks.
I implore you the NC'DEQ to disapprove the application to have a Quarry Mine next to and in our
beautiful town. Than4ou for allowing me to speak.
Sincnerelyn�
7o'h1nnny Chestnut