The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutDEQ Comment - TORCwww.torc-nc.org Oy, TRIANGLE OFF -ROAD CYCLISTS July 17, 2020 Dear Mr. Sams: Umstead State Park is arguably the most valuable recreation asset in the Triangle. Wake Stone is proposing to squeeze a new quarry pit between the park, the East Coast Greenway, and Crabtree Creek. Per § 74-51.(d)(5), if ever there were a case where a quarry would cause "significant adverse effect on the purposes of a park or recreation area", this is it. The blasting noise, harmful airborne particulates from blasting, and constant industrial noise will substantially damage the recreation experience and safety of these adjoining parks. The Old Reedy Creek greenway, (which is also the East Coast Greenway), is critical to the region. $10's Millions in greenway trails funnel through this corridor from Cary, Morrisville, and Raleigh. Our members are heavy users of this entrance to Umstead State Park, and have voiced significant concern over the proposed new quarry. When the current Triangle Quarry opened there were years of complaints from significant dust and noise. Per the Wake Stone permit application (and their 2018 modifications), Wake Stone is now attempting to lessen their existing buffers, and sandwich a new pit on the Odd Fellows tract with substantially less undisturbed buffer to the park and the greenway. This will have "significant adverse effect on the purposes of a park or recreation area" in multiple ways including: • Industrial noise that severely diminishes the utility and serenity of those nearby park areas • Threaten the health of those passing by. The dust emissions and particulate from blasting, so close to an area where many exercise regularly, is damaging to the lungs and health of park users. This heavy industrial use is simply incompatible with the adjoining park and greenway. As "the lead stewardship agency for the protection of North Carolina's environmental resources", I ask DEQ to deny the Wake Stone permit application. Sincerely, David Anderson Board Member, Advocacy Chair Triangle Off -Road Cyclists