20210224 Ver 1_Public Notice Comments_20211026 (152)

Public Notice Comment Form
ID#*
20210224
Project Name*
West Point
First Name
Affiliation (if applicable)
Phone Number
9196199244
Version*
1
Number only.
Last Name
Sogol
Email *
[e-mail]
***The intent for collecting an email address is to allow us send you a receipt for submittal of this comment.
Please pick the response below that represents your stance on the above mentioned project? *
Yes - I agree with the project. No - I do not agree with the project.

Comment
We should not but a huge clear Cutring development right next to The eno river. Let alone clear that much forest
in any part of Durham. We need to think long term and how to protect and work with our precious land and
natural areas before they disappear permanently. The water run off from so many streets and non pervious areas
will be very bad for the health of the river as well as contaminating out drinking water sources further.
I am opposed to the Westpoint development and their permit application. I do not think the assessments reflect
the true picture of the development's impacts and the impacts from the 401 Individual Clean Water Act Permit
disturbances. I do not think this project or specific permit is in the Public Interest of Durham residents or the
environment- and I believe a Public Hearing should be required for this development.
Here is more information to consider :
The proposed Westpoint development is less than 1 mile from the proposed Teer Quarry water intake. The risk
of contamination is especially harmful due to the fact that the proposed Westpoint development is the highest
density housing on the Eno in Durham with remarkably high impervious surfaces percentages of over 70%. This
level of development, close to a river and public water source, goes against numerous recommendations by the
City and State. Durham's City Council even voted in 2012 for this land to used for Low Density development, at
2-4 times less dense than what is currently planned. The reason for such low development density, is that
impervious surface levels this close to the Eno River will generate significant amounts of runoff and cause
downstream water pollution. The risk of runoff pollution is particularly concerning because of how the Teer
Quarry Intake will be designed. The current plan is for the Teer Quarry intake to only fill during times of high
baseflow from the Eno River and Lake Michie, which corresponds to the times of high runoff. This would mean
higher levels of pollution entering the intake from this development, in particular from the Black Meadow Creek
tributary within 1 mile of that intake.
Drinking water is always one of the highest priority items of Public Interest within a community. While the building
development regulations may not be in place yet --as this project is in a timing loophole --it is imperative the US
Army Corps of Engineers, NC Division of Water Resources, and City of Durham look at the impacts of this
aspect more closely as they relate to the 404/401 permit application. Under Section 7 of the Nationwide Permit
13, we find: "No activity may occur in the proximity of a public water supply intake, except where the activity is for
the repair or improvement of public water supply intake structures or adjacent bank stabilization." While the new
intake is not operational yet, phase one plans have started, and work will be taking place on both projects at the
same time. It is very likely the new intake will be in place during work on the Westpoint development, such that
Section 7 should apply.
Do the right thing and protect the culture and values of Durham not just cave to $$$$$! Will this development fix
the housing shortage - nope it won't. It would hardly put a band aid on it so let's think long and hard about what
will give more to the community and the answer should be green spaces and the gorgeous eno river we need to
tend with love and care. Say no to this project. Thank you.
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