20070812 Ver 1_Public Comments_20080430 (69)

P.O. Box 1556
Badin, NC 28009
April 29, 2008
QIN 7311R ME 0
APR 3 0 2008
Mr. John Dorney
401 Development Unit Supervisor
North Carolina Department
of Environment and Natural Resources
2321 Crabtree Boulevard
Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
DM - WATER QUAUTY
vffn IDS AND 8TORMWATER 8RANCH
Re: Section 401 Water Quality Certification
DWQ Project Number 2007-0812
Dear Mr. Dorney:
My name is Natalie Almond and I have been a citizen of Stanly County, North Carolina
for 27 years, I also currently reside in Badin. The purpose for my letter is in response to Alcoa
Power Generating, Inc.'s ("APGI") request for a Section 401 water quality certification. As a
citizen and neighbor of Badin Lake, I am concerned about the impact the proposed activities may
have on the lake and related water bodies in the Yadkin Region.
For many years, my family and friends have utilized the lake for water sporting activities,
as have thousands of other in the surrounding area. The main function of Badin Lake is to serve
as the drinking water for the City of Albemarle and other smaller municipalities. For 90 years,
Alcoa's Badin Works has conducted aluminum-smelting operations in full view of Badin Lake.
It is publicly known that the worksite resulted in contamination both on the site of the facility and
in the water supply.
I am concerned with the environmental issues because of buried materials, water-leaching
toxins from burial sites, lack of oxygen in the water, detriment to birds and animals from toxic
materials, and human death caused by exposure. I believe that their operation will continue to
cause damage to our eco-system and ask that you deny APGI's request for a Section 401 water
quality certification until these issues are corrected.
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.
Please before you consider giving APGI their request for the Section 401, look at all the
available information on the impact caused by the hydro project including the contamination at
the Badin Works facility. Help Stanly County, the surrounding communities and the children,
which are the future of these areas by giving the people of North Carolina a public hearing on the
matter at hand. Please help us make a difference for the future of our area.
Sincerely,
atalie Almond