20211120_D-Setzer

From:
Daniel Setzer
To:
NCMininaProaram
Subject:
[External] Piedmont Lithium
Date:
Saturday, November 20, 2021 8:09:38 AM
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Hello Mr. Parr and NCDENR,
Please consider my comments opposing Piedmont Lithium's plans for the mine in Gaston
County
Among environmental concerns is that the proposed mine pits will be adjacent to the confluence
of Beaver Dam and Little Beaver dam creek. Several naturally occurring springs flow into this confluence,
and then into the South fork river (the water supply for town of Dallas) which is 3 miles downstream. If the
creeks and springs, water table and the resident's wells are damaged no amount of money can fix them.
Another issue which concerns me is Piedmont Lithium's plans to close several roads. I see the
use of roads definitively different from the closing and acquisition of roads by a private interest. Piedmont
Lithium's plan is to close three state maintained roads- Hastings Rd., Hephzibah Ch. Rd. and Whiteside's
Rd. And they will use them for their own benefit. Many of our local residents and taxpayers will be
severely inconvenienced and put out of the use of the roads they helped pay for.
This same type of decision about roads was made through the town of Dallas NC years
ago. Before the Ingles development, the town suggested to the state that one way traffic be directed east
on Main st and west on Trade st (Hwy 279) to alleviate heavy traffic. The state balked for whatever
reason. Soon after Ingles acquired about'/2 city block of Main st for their development. Still yet traffic flow
on Trade St. is highly congested and economic growth on Main St is almost nonexistent. This was such a
waste of potential for this town. Private interests must not profit from roads that were paid by taxpayers. I
can't say that the Ingles development and the decision on roads and traffic are related, but it happened
about the same time.
This mining project will change the land forever. It will not be possible to fix any negative effects
to the environment. And the most naturally preserved area in Gaston County will be ruined for a short
term, highly speculative project.
I join many of my neighbors and friends in asking you to reject Piedmont Lithium's request for a
mining permit.
Sincerely,
Dan Setzer