20111013 Ver 2_Public Comments_20130327 (2)

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NC Division of Water Quality
Wetlands and Storm Water Branch
1650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699 March 24, 2013
To Whom It May Concern:
"Our focus is the protection and enhancement of the state's
groundwater, the primary source of drinking water for half of North
Carolina residents." This is your statement taken from your website.
I am requesting that you refuse any further permitting to Martin Marietta Materials, Corp concerning
the Vanceboro Quarry Project in Beaufort County, North Carolina. (NPDES PERMIT No. NC0089168)
Martin Marietta plans to pump 9 -12 million gallons of freshwater into the headwater of Blounts Creek
on a daily basis. This water is being pulled from the Castle Hayne Aquifer.
I am very concerned that this aquifer, which thousands of homes, businesses and wildlife depend upon
is being depleted at an alarming rate. The aquifer has already dropped ten feet in the last 25 years. A
drop of another 5 feet will incur salinity changes in the aquifer which would result in tainted water for
all. A mining operation is not worth the risk to the aquifer.
It should also be noted that while mining, the 'finds' and stones will be washed and the contaminated
water released into 'holding ponds' before being released into Blounts Creek. Mining is a sure way to
dig up heavy metals and elements detrimental to humans, animals and fish alike. These will be washed
right into the creek with the 9 -12 million gallons of fresh water. This particular area of Blounts Creek is a
delicate ecosystem consisting of wetlands, swamp and very slow moving water.
Blounts Creek enjoys a diverse community of fishes. Saltwater species such as drum, speckled trout and
striped bass, blue crabs, flounder, etc. are in abundance here. We also occasionally enjoy porpoises and
even a stray manatee. All these will cease to be a part of Blounts Creek with the influx of fresh water
and extreme changes in pH.
Please, do your part to protect our marshes, wetlands, groundwater and aquifer. DO NOT APPROVE this
permit for the Vanceboro Quarry Project.
Sincerely,
David F. Miller, Sr.
102 Ridge Court
Chocowinity, NC 27817
(252)946 -1488
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