20111013 Ver 1_Public Comments_20111228 (3)

Qecember 24 2011
NCDWQ
1650 Mad Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699 1650
Attention Mr lan McMillan
Dear Mr McMillan
Re US Army Corps Of Engineers Action ID # SAW 2011 02235
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i am writmg to express my opposition to the open pit mme proposed by Martin Marietta Materials Inc
on the Beaufort Craven county border
I have senous concerns for the potential negative environmental impact of this pro�ect and do not
believe that adequate public notice has been given nor has an adequate rev�ew by the Corps of
Engineers been conducted
I believe that the introduction of 9 million gallons per day of fresh water will substantially change the
salinity of Blounts Creek and therefore adversely affect the vegetation fish and other wildlife that
flour�sh in the creek and ad�oining wetlands Further, Blounts Creek is a very sensitive and unique
estuary that provides the spawnmg grounds for a variety of salt water and fresh water fish At various
times of the year the waters abound m speckled trout striped bass flounder crabs otters and bottle
nose dolphins As a result Blounts Creek �s widely valued by recreational fishermen
Eagles nest and breed along the banks of Blounts Creek due largely because of the supply of inenhaden
and other bait fish which would declme with the increased fresh water
I am also greatly concerned about the potential for dewatering the private and public water welis that
serve the Town of Chocowinity
A pro�ect of this magnitude deserves careful scrutiny and the fact that so little publ�c mformation has
been provided ( I only became aware of this pro�ect through a December 21st story in the 'Wash�ngton
Daily News ) and the timing of the public comment period raises serious quest�ons
In summation I respectfully request that the Corps set up and publicize one or more public hearmgs to
both prov�de answers to these concerns and provide an opportumty for concerned citizens to be heard
Thank you for your time and consideration
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ohn P Rawlings
101 Water s Edge Road
Chocowmity NC 27817
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