HomeMy WebLinkAbout20111013 Ver 2_Public Comments_20130328ro
Patricia J. Griffin
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PO BOX 667 fief'
Winterville, NC 28594
Chuck Wakild
NCDENR -DWQ -NPDES
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699 -1617
March 24, 2013
Dear Mr. Wakild
Please accept my comments regarding Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. NPDES discharge
permit and 401 water quality certification permit request to operate a 649 acre open -
pit mine in Beaufort County.
I own property in Blounts Creek and enjoy year round fishing and enjoyment of the
surrounding wildlife. During this past winter I saw up to 20 boats on multiple days
upstream and downstream from my pier near Cotton Patch landing fishing for stripped
bass and trout.
I do not object to a mining operation; however, I do object to a proposal that will
discharge millions of gallons of groundwater each day that will end up in Mounts
Creek.
I know the proposed discharge of millions of gallons of groundwater a day from the mining
operation will change this brackish creek and everything in /around it. The fish species
depending on Blounts Creek as a home and nursery, the aquatic vegetation within the creek
and other wildlife depending on this ecosystem will diminish as we know it today if
permits are given that allow discharge of groundwater into headwaters of Blounts Creek.
From information I have received on this matter, allowing this is illegal.
Martin Marietta conducted a one (1) day fish sampling and did not find anadramous
juvenile fish species. While the study may not have found these, I know for a fact that
anadramous juvenile fish species, such as stripped bass, are in upper Blounts Creek. I have
caught fingerling (juvenile) stripped bass in Blounts Creek. This invalidates Martin
Marietta's study. My understanding is that North Carolina state law does not allow
discharges that change species composition of a stream from its natural state.
The Federal Clean Water Act requires that only the least environmentally damaging
practical alternative be permitted for the 401/404 permit. There are other alternatives
that Martin Marietta can employ. Those alternatives may seem impractical to Martin
Marietta from a cost standpoint; however, there is far too much environmental damage if
Martin Marietta is allowed to discharge groundwater that ends up in Blounts Creek. Again,
I believe this 'discharge' method is illegal.
Residents surrounding the area of the proposed mining operation depend on clean and
plentiful water from the Castle Hayne aquifer. This impacts local families and landowners.
I ask you to please ask and research whether this is right. It's no secret that around the
United States and around the world, clean water from sources such as the Castle Hayne
aquifer is becoming scarce. Don't landowners have rights to a continuing supply of water
without private business drying up that supply?
Finally, water flow and water levels will change from its current natural fluctuations. I,
along with my neighbors and everyone else along Blounts Creek know that the primary
fluctuations in the water levels are from wind - driven tides. Just over a week ago, I
witnessed water level very high with a Northerly wind, almost six (6) inches from the top
of a pier. Within two (2) hours the wind shifted and the water fell almost twelve (12)
inches. With millions of gallons of groundwater being discharged into the creek, I believe
the discharge will cause creekside flooding and piers /bulkheads will go underwater. This
again will change vegetation and wildlife species. This will also cause damage to private
property along Blounts Creek.
In summary, the legally of this matter, economic impact to business owners and Beaufort
County along with infringement of rights to property owners and others who come to enjoy
the creek is what I would please ask you to consider in your decisions for permits.
Sincerely,
Patricia J. Griffin