20070812 Ver 1_Public Comments_20080502 (2635)

FROM : PHONE NO. : Poe
Mr. Join Nmey
401 Development Unit StgxTvisor
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
E ear Mr. Dorncy:
My name is MicheUe Miller and I am a citizen of Norwood in Stately County,
North Carolina. I write to you in response to Alcoa Power Generating, Inc.'s ("APGI1)
request for a Section 401 water quality certification. As a citizen, l am concerned about
the impact the proposed activities may have on Badin Lake and related water bodies in
the Yadkin River.
Radin 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
1919 at the Badin Works which is located next to Radin Lake. It is wall known that the
operation of the Radin Works 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 sickness caused by exposure to these dangerous
materials. I believe that their operation will continue to cause damage to our cco-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
Caroline that APGI has not been a responsible steward of the people's water.
We ask that you not issue this certificate until the appropriate tune is taken to
fully evaluate the environmental impacts to the Yadkin basin and our region from the
Radio Works operations and APGI's hydro dams, including information that Stanly
County has uncovered in reoent months. After doing so, I hope that you will deny the
401 water quality certification or, at the very least, put the proper conditions is place to
protect the health of our region.
Sincerely,
Jk4au" 1"L-u
rc: Mr_ Jerry D, Myers, County Manager, Stanly County
MAY-2-2808 FRI 15:24 TEL:[phone] NAME:DWQ-WETLANDS P. 8