20211123_H-Carpenter

From: Kastrinsky, Josh
To: Libby Carpenter; NCMininaProaram
Subject: RE: [External] Piedmont Lithium
Date: Wednesday, November 24, 2021 11:15:30 AM
Mr. Carpenter,
Thanks for submitting your comments. We have added this to the record for this permit application.
Josh
Josh Kastrinsky
Public Information Officer
Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
919.707.3645 (o)
984.297.2402 (c)
From: Libby Carpenter [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2021 6:10 PM
To: NCMiningProgram <[e-mail]>; Kastrinsky, Josh
<josh. kastri nsky@ ncden r.gov>
Subject: [External] Piedmont Lithium
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D e a r Adam Parr, Assistant State Mining Engineer, Joshua Kastrinsky
(whom we met Monday night --very nice guy)
I attended the Public Hearing in Gaston County last Monday night. I was not
impressed with the informational meeting or hearing. In fact,
most of our questions were not answered.
I left the meeting thinking there are not enough regulations for mining in NC.
Sounds like once a mine gets started, they can pretty much
do whatever they want..as long as they leave some water in it.
The site of the proposed mine is not a good place for a pit mine with much
population and growth potential. The gain is not worth the

loss we will have to end urefor 20 years! And then what?? We have
the Hallman Beam mine glaring in our faces ----- that's only one
small
pit, not 4 or 5.
Why did reputable companies like Livent and Albemarle not seek to mine this area.?
If Only 3% will be Lithium, why bother?
I believe Keith Phillips, the CEO of PL, who came from Wall Street had a big idea,
which looked good on paper and he influenced investors (some who have lawsuits
pending) it was a sure thing.
The following is my talk which I read hurriedly in two minutes on Monday
night. I did not give you a copy. I want to make sure my statements are read
again.
Two minutes was not enough for us!! The meeting was advertised to be 6:30 -
9:30. Yet we left before nine. Same way with Virtual on Thursday night. Two
minutes again!! Not enough time!!
My statements:
My name is Hugh Carpenter, 426 Aderholdt Road, I live right on the rim of the
proposed mine. If this area is mined, we will all have to change our lives.
We have the perfect country setting in this area, especially for children to grow
up. We have beautiful pristine springs and creeks.
We have all manner of wildlife, and dairies, cattle and farmland which should
be protected!!
Our pure well water is in grave danger of contamination!
Within the last month a close neighbor decided to sell 3 acres of land to a
family that wanted to raise their children in the country. Also in the same time
period another neighbor sold 25 acres to family for the same reason.
People are moving west from the Charlotte area. It is too populated here for a

pit mine. We need the space for country living.
Another neighbor lives close to the mine and owns 200 acres. He has
mentioned to me he would like to sell 5 and 10 acre tracts for people to raise
their families in a country setting. What an asset that would be to Gaston
County!!
In the 80's the county wanted to build the Northwest High School and bought
the land near Tryon School. Recently I discovered the truth (from a former
County Commissioner) why it was not built: Because of the close proximity to
the Hallman Beam mine! This old mine now contains arsenic in water that has
been left standing for years. What A public health hazard!
FYI, Cherryville, Tyron and Bessemer City were to be combined in the
Northwest High. The rest of the county consolidated into large schools, while
our children were left behind going to the smaller Bessemer City or Cherryville
High schools.
NC State officials, I plead with you, PLEASE reject the
mining permit!!
Thank you for listening, and have a blessed Thanksgiving,
Benjamin Hugh Carpenter
704-435-2932 (H)
704-862-8422 (C)