20211118_M-Robinson

From: Marie Robinson
To: NCMiningProgram
Subject: [External] Piedmont Lithium
Date: Thursday, November 18, 2021 3:01:30 PM
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As a permit for Piedmont Lithium is considered, environmental issues
need to be addressed. With proposed drilling, it will affect our
cement wells and foundations of houses. They will probably crack,
being damaged. The deep pits it makes will collect water that will be
contaminated and run off into streams, lakes, rivers. This will
probably contaminate all our drinking water.
The big question is why drill? There are other ways to extract
lithium, mica, and other minerals. One way is brine extraction.
Other concerns are the large extent of the land that is proposed to be
excavated. One person that spoke last July at the Gaston County
Commissioner's meeting, said the site would be equal to the land in
the Charlotte area within the 485 highway. That sounds like all of
Gaston County and surrounding counties as well. This is of great
concern. We expect Piedmont Lithium, if given permission, to be
working in this area for quite a number of years. We are very
concerned about much of Gaston County, which is rural with lots of
land with trees, fields, lakes, grassy areas, parks, schools,
businesses, churches - which could be closed in by drilling or worse -
the devastation they leave. Piedmont Lithium states lots of things
they plan to do to make the area they leave less of a devastation..
However, they have never mined this way before, so they do not have a
history of keeping their word. .
I live in Gaston County, in a rural area. We like our quiet
neighborhoods, and safe homes. There are birds, dogs and cats and safe
places to walk. What will happen to all of this if drilling excavation
starts? They have bought up a lot of homes already. I have lived here
most of my life and am 85 years old. I do not want to uproot and go
somewhere else to live.
Please consider our concerns before deciding to give Piedmont Lithium a permit.