FW_ _Extern1al_ Deny Mining Permit 92-10

Johnson, Robert E
From: Sams, Dan
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 4:20 PM
To: NCMiningProgram
Subject: FW: [External] Deny Mining Permit 92-10
-----Original Message -----
From: Maria Halman [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 3:53 PM
To: Sams, Dan <[e-mail]>
Subject: [External] Deny Mining Permit 92-10
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Dear Mr. Sams:
My name is Maria Halman, 3813 Windy Hill Rd, Chapel Hill 27514. 1 am calling for the DEQto deny Mining Permit 92-10
under Subsection 74-51d, Subsection 5: "That the operation will have a significantly adverse impact on the purposes of a
publicly owned park, forest or recreational area."
I am a member of a Triangle hiking group, Thursdayhiking, whose members come from Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.
We enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Umstead and Lake Crabtree Parks throughout the year.
I am very concerned about the permanent destruction of the mature hardwood forest on the Odd Fellows tract adjacent
to Umstead Park. The destruction of this forest and its replacement over time with a 400' deep rock mine will
undoubtedly have negative environmental and health impacts.
This tract currently supports the ecosystem and biodiversity of Umstead Park and Crabtree Creek. There have been
sightings of Great Blue Herons as well as Bald Eagles in the area. In addition, the quality of the air at both the popular
East Coast Greenway and Umstead Park would be negatively impacted by the tons of airborne dust -like particulate
matter created during mining operations. As a member of the at -risk over 65 population during the coronavirus crisis, I
am particularly concerned about the negative respiratory impacts while exercising in the vicinity of the proposed mining
operation.
Moreover, I am concerned that this rock mine would be the first private quarry on public land in the State of North
Carolina. I am concerned this would set a precedent in our state of a dangerous recent trend in our nation of ransacking
public land for short- term private economic interests. Public lands are our 'commons.' They have been specifically
designated to exist in order to contribute to the good of ALL, and not to any one particular private enterprise, no matter
how exemplary its past history (or professed future intentions) of good citizenship.
I urge you to deny mining permit 92-10.
Sincerely,
Maria Halman

3813 Windy Hill Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27514