FW_ _External_ Protect Umstead Park

Johnson, Robert E
From: Sams, Dan
Sent: Friday, July 17, 2020 5:39 PM
To: NCMiningProgram
Subject: FW: [External] Protect Umstead Park
From: Libby Slight [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent: Friday, July 17, 2020 5:28 PM
To: Sams, Dan <[e-mail]>
Subject: [External] Protect Umstead Park
Dear DEQ,
I have been a resident of Wake County for 32 years. I am writing you today to ask you to "reinstate"
the 50-year sunset clause for the Wake Stone quarry between 1-40 and Umstead State Park. The
sunset clause in Wake Stone's original DEQ permit stated that quarrying (aka mining) operations
were to end in the current location within 50 years. If the sunset clause were to be reinstated it would
remove the economic viability of their new proposed quarry, as the old one would still be required to
process the newly mined material from the new pit.
I also request you DENY any permit for a new quarry pit on the Odd Fellows Tract. A private business
should not be allowed to destroy and profit from publicly owned lands, especially when the land is so
valuable for the people of North Carolina. Over a million people frequent Umstead Park annually.
People need this safe and peaceful park to maintain a healthy life. If there is one positive that has
arisen from this COVID-19 pandemic, it is that families are searching for and finding solice in our
parks. We should be doing everything possible to preserve these precious green spaces and adding
to them where possible.
Adding a new, fourth rock quarry near RDU and Umstead State Park does NOT benefit the people of
Wake and Durham counties. When you look at the environmental impact, the negative impact to the
environment from security fencing, air pollution from rock quarry dust and diesel truck emissions,
noise pollution, and increased water pollution and the likely death of Crabtree Creek, these alone are
reasons to DENY a new quarry pit adjacent to Umstead Park. Please review the issues related to
protecting our public lands and request DEQ to reinstate the 50-year sunset clause in the mining
permit for the current Wake Stone quarry at Harrison Avenue and DENY any new permits for mining
operations on any lands adjacent to Umstead Park.
Thank you for time, consideration, and service.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Slight

405 Lochside Drive
Cary, NC 27518
919-614-1940