20111013 Ver 2_Public Comments_20130327

PO Box 222 Columbia, NC 27925 http : / /www.pocosiniakesfriends.org - [e-mail]
Chuck Walild
NCDENR- ©WQ -NPDES
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699 -1617
The Friends of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge respectfully request the NC Division of Water Resources to
deny a discharge permit to the Martin Merietta mine. Founded in 2008, we have members across Beaufort County and
the state, revealing the deep concern and care for this unique area. The mission of the Friends of Pocosin Lakes National
Wildlife Refuge is to protect the waters, lands and wildlife of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).
Many of the board members of the organization are long -time residents of the Pamlico watershed and have
watched fish populations dwindle over our lifetimes as increased pollution and development have overwhelmed a river
that previously teamed with life. This mine and its discharge into Blounts Creek will only tip the river system further
toward collapse.
Pocosin Lakes NWR is the heart of the Albemarle - Pamlico Peninsula, which is bordered to the south by the
Pamlico River, of which Blounts Creek is a tributary. Blounts Creek is located along the Atlantic Flyway, an important
migratory route for waterfowl. Healthy waters with limited shoreline development serve as the best stopovers for
migrating waterfowl. These waters are filled with smaller fish, crustaceans and plants that migrating birds need to
replenish energy lost during long flights.
The proposed discharge will change the nature of Blounts Creek by changing water flow, salinity, pH and the
stability of the stream bank. These changes will impact all life stages of fish as well as change the prey of these fish.
Significant changes in the pH of the creek are a violation of state law. Also these changes would significantly reduce the
aquatic life in the creek, which in turn will make it one less hospitable stopover for migratory birds. The conversion of an
undeveloped natural area in proximity to Pocosin Lakes NWR to a highly impacted industrial site will negatively impact
the wildlife that inhabits the refuge at different points in the year.
We urge you to work diligently and conscientiously to protect these natural resources that this area has not only
grown to love and appreciate, but also to realize the boundless importance of our waters.
Shacerely,
e
President,
Friends of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge