20111013 Ver 2_Public Comments_20130324 (2)

Strickland, Bev
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Karoly, Cyndi
Sunday, March 24, 2013 7:05 AM
Strickland, Bev
Fwd: Vanceboro Quarry
DENR letter.docx; ATT00001.htm
Begin forwarded message:
From: Beth Harden [e-mail]>
Date: March 23, 2013, 8:13:28 PM EDT
To: "[e-mail]" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Vanceboro Quarry
Reply -To: Beth Harden [e-mail]>
Dear Ms. Karoly
Attached is a letter about the Martin Marietta Materials - Proposed Vanceboro
Quarry regarding the application for 401 Water Quality Certification and
application for new NPDES discharge permit. I have the file named DENR letter.
Thank You,
Clarissa 'Beth' Harden

Clarissa T. Harden
6228 Ten Ten Road
Apex, NC 27539
March 23, 2013
N.C. Division of Water Quality
Wetlands and Stormwater Branch
1650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699 -1650
Attn: Cyndi Karoly
RE: Martin Marietta Materials- Proposed Vanceboro Quarry
Dear Ms. Karoly
I am writing in opposition to the proposed Martin Marietta Materials Proposed Vanceboro Quarry;
specifically the application for 401 Water Quality Certification and application for new NPDES discharge
permit. Both these applications should be denied especially the NPDES discharge permit. There are 2
areas of concern I have in opposing the Vanceboro Quarry water discharge.
The first concern is the adverse affects on the Castle Hayne aquifer. A draw down in the aquifer
caused by the large amount of discharge would eventually cause an intrusion of salt water. This will
render the water unusable for drinking. In recent years NC has had below average rainfall such that
some areas were put under mandatory water restrictions. Lack of rainfall lowers the rate of
replenishing the aquifer at the same time the Vanceboro Quarry operation would be removing tons of
water from the aquifer. The Castle Hayne aquifer will be at risk at having water unsuitable for drinking
and unavailable in wells as a result of the water discharge.
The second concern is the adverse affects on Blounts Creek waters and surrounding wetlands. The
current ecosystems in these areas will be polluted by the flow of water that is drastically different from
precipitation. The pH difference in the discharge water and the existing waters alone will reduce the
survivability of certain flora and fauna in the creek, surrounding wetlands and ecosystems. The change
of salinity from the large amount of discharged fresh water will also reduce the survivability of flora and
fauna in the creek, surrounding wetlands and ecosystems.
My husband and I have a home at 306 Bay Point Road, Chocowinity, NC 27817. We have a well for
drinking water and enjoy all of the fauna and flora that are located in and around Blounts Creek. Water
is a natural resource that must be protected.
Sincerely,