HomeMy WebLinkAbout20070812 Ver 1_Public Comments_20080429 (15)Re: Section 401 Water Quality Certification
Subject: Re: Section 401 Water Quality Certification
From: pgjennif@email.unc.edu
Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:17:36 -0400
To: john.dorney@ncmail.net
CC: JMyers@co.stanly.nc.us
Mr. John Dorney
401 Development Unit Supervisor
North Carolina Department
of Environment and Natural Resources
2321 Crabtree Boulevard
Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Re: Section 401 Water Quality Certification
DWQ Project Number 2007-0812
Dear Mr. Dorney:
My name is Jennifer Pressley and I am a citizen of Albemarle in Stanly County, North
Carolina. I write to you in response to Alcoa Power Generating, Inc.'s ("APGI")
request for a Section 401 water quality certification. As a citizen, I am concerned
about the impact the proposed activities may have on Badin Lake and related water
bodies in the Yadkin River.
Badin Lake serves as the primary drinking water source for the City of Albemarle.
The people of our area, as well as many across the state, utilize Badin Lake for
fishing and swimming. Alcoa conducted aluminum smelting operations from
approximately 1918 at the Badin Works which is located next to Badin Lake. It is
well known that the operation of the Badin Works resulted in contamination both on
the site of the facility and in the water supply.
I am concerned with the environmental issues because
leaching toxins from burial sites, lack of oxygen in
and animals from toxic materials, and human sickness
dangerous materials. I believe that their operation
our eco-system, and ask that you deny APGI's request
certification until these issues are corrected.
of buried materials, water
the water, detriment to birds
caused by exposure to these
will continue to cause damage to
for a Section 401 water quality
The operation of the hydroelectric dams has had and will continue to have a
negative impact on the citizens and wildlife of our area. I am aware that Stanly
County is presenting information to you that if fully reviewed, will convince the
State of North Carolina that APGI has not been a responsible steward of the
people's water.
We ask that you not issue this certificate until the appropriate time is taken to
fully evaluate the environmental impacts to the Yadkin basin and our region from
the Badin Works operations and APGI's hydro dams, including information that Stanly
County has uncovered in recent months. After doing so, I hope that you will deny
the 401 water quality certification or, at the very least, put the proper conditions
in place to protect the health of our region.
Sincerely,
Jennifer K. Pressley
cc: Mr. Jerry D. Myers, County Manager, Stanly County
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