20111013 Ver 2_Public Comments_20130404 (3)

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Annabel and Fred Baker
PO Box 27
Blounts Creek, NC 27814
(252)322 -9965
[e-mail]
March 31, 2013
Mr. Mitchell
EPA
US EPA, Region 4
Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center
61 Forsyth St. SW
Atlanta, GA 30303 -8960
Dear Mr. Mitchell:
We are long -time property owners on Blounts Creek, and we are writing to you to express our concern about
the recent discussion of and the pending decision on Martin Marietta Mining and their plan to release twelve
million gallons of fresh water daily into the brackish Blounts Creek. We understand that there are other
methods of mine water disposal which would be more ecologically advisable.
We do not believe that enough consideration has been given to available alternatives. By dumping fresh
water into Blounts Creek, Martin Marietta Mining will destroy our opportunities to watch porpoises swim up
creek past our home. We will no longer be able to catch flounder or blue crabs from our dock. The currently
quiet and undisturbed spawning beds of breem will be washed out by the rapidly rushing waters. Pelicans
that visit each summer will be unlikely to come this far upstream into areas that will no longer be brackish or
salty. The research submitted by the company does not address the impact of dumping this quantity of water
on properties along parts of the creek which are less than 80 feet wide. With an abrupt rise in water levels
and velocities, our land will erode at an even quicker pace, which will decrease the property value. Our docks
and water well will likely be submerged.
With a minimal economic advantage to the region and a more than better chance of disastrous
environmental impacts, we ask you to oppose the disposal of the mining refuse water into Blounts Creek.
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Annabel and Fred Baker