NCS000613_Hearing Officer Report_20240515

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
A public hearing was held on March 18, 2024, related to NPDES Stormwater Permit Application
NCS000613, International Tie Disposal, Project Tie Site. The Hearing Officer was Jerry Eplin, of
the Mooresville Regional Office of NCDEMLR. The meeting started 6:00 PM and ended at
approximately 7:00 PM. The Hearing Officer's Presentation for the meeting is attached as
Appendix A. During the hearing, Ms. Brianna Young gave a PowerPoint presentation related to
the draft permit. Slides from that presentation are included as Appendix B. The sign-in sheets for
the public hearing are included as Appendix C. A summary of the verbal comments received
during the public hearing is presented below. Note that all references to "the facility" or "the
company" are referring to the International Tie Disposal, Project Tie facility.
(1) Pam Dillman(with Clean Water and Air)
• Was previously a county commissioner and on a planning board.
• Is concerned about wildlife in the area,particularly a woodpecker.
• Facility is not supposed to be in this area.
• Believes the facility is already burning ties 2-5 days per week.
• Thousands of ties are on the ground.
• Is concerned about creosote contamination. Is concerned that adding thousands more ties will
make things worse.
• Discussed other facilities with security systems and a warehouse to store ties,which this facility
does not have.
• Is concerned about clean air,water, soil, and about the people in the area.
• The facility is 2500 ft from the main water source.
• Would like to see the facility moved to another location.
(2) Lisa Gardner
• Discussed a report about groundwater contamination from creosote in Georgia.
• Indicated that Georgia banned grinding and burning of creosote railroad ties.
• Is concerned about rural areas becoming contaminated.
• Is concerned about cancer clusters.
• Would like the permit to be denied.
(3) Joseph Boone
• Mr. Boone was on the list of speakers but did not answer when called.
(4) Joseph Brown
• Is concerned about the side effects on the air and water.
• Recommends that the public send letters and emails to Raleigh.
(5) Antonio Blue(Mayor of Dobbin Heights)
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Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
• Rain on creosote ties will result in groundwater contamination.
• We are destroying the land,water,and air.
• Is concerned about cancer deaths and the history of cancer deaths associated with the railroad.
• Does not believe it is safe to have residences near the facility.
• The Company said there would be 50 jobs,but the jobs are not going to locals.
(6) Matthew Christian (Hamlet City Manager)
• Hamlet City Council unanimously opposes the facility.
• Is concerned because creosote is a carcinogen and has severe negative impacts on public health.
• City water system serves over ten thousand people.
• Facility is less than 2500 feet from the water source.
• Is concerned about the potential for toxic pollutants and emissions contaminating ground and
stormwater runoff and the water source.
• Runoff from storage is a concern.
• Believes the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan(SWPPP)is key and believes the permit
should be denied until the SWPPP is complete and publicly available.
(7) Dave Brunson
• Mr. Brunson was on the list of speakers but did not answer when called.
(8) Carol Venable
• Retired family nurse practitioner.
• Opposes the permit.
• Is concerned about toxins such as pesticides, and carcinogens.
• Creosote is a human carcinogen.
• Need to rid our county of toxins,not bring more in.
• Is concerned about groundwater contamination.
• Toxic particles cause cancer.
• Believes many people will suffer.
(9) Heather Hudson
• Wants the permit to be denied.
• Believes the promise of 50 jobs is all it took to permanently jeopardize health and safety.
• Hamlet has many residents living in poverty.
• Believes companies take advantage of low-income communities.
• Creosote is a probable human carcinogen.
• The facility is less than 2500 feet from the water source.
• Concerned about well water contamination and health and wellness impacts of the facility.
(10) Shanda Roberson
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Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
• Is concerned about chemicals because children will be impacted.
• Is concerned that chemicals will reach groundwater and lakes.
• Has heard stories of railroad contamination.
• No amount of monitoring will prevent contamination.
• Is concerned about carcinogens and cancer's impact.
• Would like the facility moved to an area that cannot contaminate their air and water.
(11) Polly Cobb(with Marks Creek Church)
• Aquifer is in the area, and it can be affected.
• Is concerned about well water contamination.
• A church is less than 0.5 miles from the facility.
• Water for the church is provided by a well.
• The local community has wells.
• Camp Lejeune had cancer from contaminated water.
• Is concerned that people may suffer from cancer and this facility will not help those who are
impacted. Believes that Camp Lejeune only got help because the federal government stepped
in.
(12) Halena Brown
• Retired educator.
• Is concerned about 2 schools near the facility.
• Is concerned about air pollution including particulate matter.
• Kids go outside to play and breathe this air.
• Does not want the facility in this location.
(13) Kathy Phifer
• Ms. Phifer was on the list of speakers but passed on the opportunity to speak.
(14) Debra David
• Stated that DEQ and county commission are supposed to represent the community.
• Believes the community will be devastated by the facility.
• Has concerns about air quality and particulate matter. Is also concerned about creosote.
• Is concerned that government subsidies help this type of facility.
• Wants the permit to be denied.
• Is concerned about waste dumping in this rural county.
(15) Jesse McQueen
• Indicated that the county is poor and county commissioners agreed to the facility to benefit the
county budget.
3

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
• Believes the facility offers no benefit except to the people making the county budget.
• Believes that sales tax money is being used as leverage against the citizens.
• Is worried about Creosote getting into the water supply.
• Believes that no one will know how bad things are until it is too late.
• Compared Hamlet to the Palestine,OH, disaster except that the situation will be worse because
it occurs daily.
(16) HF Frye(did not sign up to speak but offered the following comments)
• Railroad ties are already being stored and believes facility is already operating.
• Indicates that the ties are salt treated mainly but lots of creosote-treated ties also.
• Is concerned that ties from other locations will be brought in and is concerned about creosote.
(17) Basil Poliyka(Permittee)
• Permittee personnel came tonight to listen to the community comments.
• Believes there are a number of misconceptions.
• Indicated that the facility's kilns are not running at the present.
• Indicated that facility will abide by all the applicable laws.
Numerous written comments were also received related to the referenced permit. The written
comments are included as Appendix D and are summarized below. Note that the names provided
below are either from the email addresses utilized, or signatures in the emails. Dates are the email
"sent" dates. Dates for mailed comments are the DEQ receipt dates.
(1) Ann Wheeler,March 9 2024
• Believes that no amount of monitoring will prevent contamination.
• Has had multiple family members die of cancer,that she believes is related to the railroad industry.
• Is"begging"that the facility not be permitted in this community.
(2) Carole Venable,March 15,2024
• Is a retired FNP.
• Believes carcinogens and other toxins have been allowed in the community for agricultural uses.
• Is concerned about cancer in the community.
• Creosote is a carcinogen.
• Wants the stormwater permit to be denied.
(3) Amy Guinn,March 18,2024
• Attended the public hearing and believes valid points were raised by the speakers.
4

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
• Believes the decision related to this permit could have far reaching negative effects for many years.
• Is another resident who is strongly against the stormwater permit being issued.
(4) Jessie Burgess,March 18,2024
• Is a resident of Richmond County and is strongly opposed to approval of the stormwater permit.
• Believes the possible health and ecological risks far outweigh any benefit of the facility.
• Does not believe the company has offered any assurance of ecological responsibility and has not
had"open discourse"within the community to help them understand why they"should not worry"
about the possible negative effects of the facility.
(5) Lisa Gardner,March 18,2024
• Is requesting information about what provisions there will be to prevent fugitive dust from settling
in the neighboring ponds, and other areas, after the dust leaves the facility.
(6) Martie T.Butler,March 18,2024
• Submitting the letter on behalf of Richmond County Economic Development in support of ITD.
• Indicated that they have been working with the company for years and the company is professional
and transparent.
• The site location,adjacent to the CSX rail yard,is consent with Richmond County Land Use Plan.
• Believes that there are always concerns with any new project or company but indicates that the
company has been in the community speaking with residents and answering questions.
• Provided a quote, but no source of the quote was identified. A summary of the quote is: The
project has been fully vetted by multiple agencies and experts and that there is no risk to the
community;Richmond County has confidence in the project and believes concerns are based upon
speculation.
(7) Anne Sneed,March 19,2024
• Is a landowner in Richmond County and strongly opposes the facility.
• County water supply does not extend to her house. Only source of water is private wells.
Contamination could have severe consequences, especially for agriculture and farming.
• Is concerned about discharging waste to an "unknown" tributary of the Lumber River is
concerning and believes this represents a lack of transparency and raises questions about potential
risks to health and environment.
• Is concerned about recent changes in rules related to discharging toxic wastes into wetlands —
information provided by the Southern Environmental Law Center. Believes this could impact the
community's ability to hold ITD accountable for damages.
• Is urging that immediate actions be taken to stop the permitting process until adequate assurances
from the government that the community will be safeguarded against toxic wastes related to the
facility can be obtained.
5

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
(8) Ashely Robinson,March 19,2024
• Lives in Hamlet.
• Is concerned that the facility may impact the main water source for the county.
• Is concerned about the health affects that may be posed for all residents,including children.
• Does not want the facility and is strongly against the facility operating in Hamlet.
• Sees no benefits, only risks.
(9) Chase Puckett,March 19,2024
• Lives,works, and hunts in the area.
• Is concerned that stormwater may impact wildlife in the area.
• The proposed facility location is surrounded by the Sandhills Gamelands.
• Referenced a document named, "Sandhills Game Lan Management Plan" and that the objectives
of the referenced plan are "to provide, protect, and actively manage habitat conditions to benefit
aquatic and Terrestrial Wildlife Resources".
• Believes that permitting the facility would not be providing, protecting, or managing habitat
conditions for wildlife.
• Believes facility threatens the habitat and that the facility could have a"devastating impact"in the
surrounding environment,humans, and wildlife.
• Is opposed to the facility.
(10) Christian Dixon,March 19,2024
• Allowing the facility is unjust and unfair to the community.
• Is concerned about the potential contamination to the water supply system and believes"any sound
minded individual"would agree that the operation should not be permitted.
• Is opposed to the operation.
(11) Sandra Cuddihy,March 19,2024
• Deeply concerned about the chemicals that will be released into the water in wells and the water
supply.
• Is concerned about carcinogenic air emissions and smoke.
• Believes that polluted water and smoke will be detrimental to the health of nearby students.
• On behalf of the children and citizens of Hamlet,urges that DEQ consider the adverse effects of
issuing the permitting.
(12) Debbie James,March 19,2024
• Requests that the permit be disapproved.
• Is concerned about long-term effects of exposure to the air and water.
• "Begs"that the permit be disapproved. Does not believe anyone would want it in their community.
6

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
(13) Dr.Deena Tiches,March 19,2024
• Resident of Moore County.
• Asks that the facility not be allowed to drain water into Mill Creek and the Lumber River basin.
• Creosote is a known carcinogen.
• Believes facility will damage wildlife and aquatic animals.
(14) Jason Gainey,March 19,2024
• Is requesting that information be forwarded to him about the safety requirements, inspections,
water run off contingency plans,and all other information.
• Goal is to be a"good neighbor"to the company, if it comes,while keeping citizens safe,property
values intact, and children"free from disease".
• Wants "factual" information to help citizens. If the facility is bad for citizens, he wants help
stopping it. Wants data to show facility is harmless and wants the data to continually be provided.
(15) Jennifer Carpenter,March 19,2024
• Resident of Richmond County.
• Is against the facility being anywhere near the county or the water supply.
• Is concerned about cancer and cardiovascular issues.
• Believes company will make a profit at the expense of the families.
(16) Kelly C.Wheeler,March 19,2024
• Believes the values of DEQ are in direct conflict of interest with a facility releasing creosote into
the air.
• Believes allowing the facility to operate will definitely impact residents of all races and ages.
• Believes facility will pollute air and local stormwater that will reach communities from "here to
South Carolina".
• Concerned of short term and long term effects of creosote exposure in both water and air causing
"direct impact to kidneys, liver, and brain". Indicates that the source of this statement is the
Environmental Protection Agency.
• Believes that DEQ hearing citizen complaints proves that DEQ is aware of the effects of the permit
decision.
• Believes there is evidence that facility will pollute air and ground water.
• Believes it is unfair that poor areas with cheap industrial real estate should have polluted air and
drinking water while"some"areas have clean air and drinking water.
• Believes approving this facility establishes precedence for other industries.
• Has encouraged investigating 6 — 8 months of burning without permits at the site now, and
encourages citizens to test ground water"now, during, and after".
• Believes it is negligent for DEQ to approve the permit.
• Believes that the facility will impact the Hamlet community's"entire way of life".
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Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
• Doesn't want residents to have to monitor Air Quality Indices, and/or to have to wear pollution
masks as some in foreign countries do.
• Believes pollution can increase allergy sensitivity and have other negative effects on lungs. Does
not want this for Hamlet.
• Is against approving this permit.
(17) Kim Puckett,March 19,2024
• Is pleading to keep International Tie Disposal out of Hamlet.
• She lives near the facility and has worked in health care for many years.
• Believes the facility threatens their health.
• Is concerned about the threat to the water supply,2500 feet away from the facility.
• Provided information about two chicken farms nearby the proposed facility location. Indicated
that over 190,000 chickens are produced quarterly and is concerned about contamination to these
farms.
• Is also concerned about the economic impact to the community.
• Wants DEQ to be proactive when reviewing the referenced permit and in preventing "future
detrimental health issues"in the area. Wants DEQ to protect the health of the"small,rural town"
by denying the permit and any future permits for operation of the ITD facility.
(18) Kristi Maines,March 19,2024
• Is concerned about contaminated run off to the Lumber River Basin or any runoff that could be
used for human, animal, or livestock consumption.
• Concerned that carcinogens will contaminate water supplies, land, and air.
• Referenced small,poor,rural areas being a dumping ground"to be poisoned".
• Concerned about health effects of carcinogens to humans, livestock, and pets.
• Indicates that Richmond County does not want ITD. "What if this were in your community."
• Believes ITD will not benefit the community, only those who have already benefited.
• Is concerned about impact to thousands of people in the area and believes the outcome will be
`irrefutable".
• "Begs"that the permit be denied.
(19) Lloyd Maines
• Encourages considering all the ways that approving the stormwater permit will affect the people
and surrounding community.
• Is concerned that carcinogens will impact the water, which will also impact food sources and
animals.
• Believes approving the permit approves contamination to human bodies and the "items"that are
put into those bodies.
• Is concerned that contamination will impact the water,land, and animals that are hunted.Believes
that none will be safe from cancer.
8

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
• Wants the stormwater permit to be disapproved.
(20) Al and Marcia Floyd,March 19,2024
• Strongly disapprove of the ITD Plant.
• They are landowners near the proposed site.
• County water does not extend to their area.Only source of drinking water is private wells.Believe
any contamination would have severe impact on community,in particular agriculture and farming.
• Is concerned that discharging waste to an "unknown" tributary of the lumber River basin is
troubling, lacks transparency, and represents a potential risk to environment and health.
• Is concerned about recent changes in rules related to discharging toxic wastes into wetlands —
information provided by the Southern Environmental Law Center. Believes this could impact the
community's ability to hold ITD accountable for damages.
• Is urging that immediate actions be taken to stop the permitting process until adequate assurances
from the government that the community will be safeguarded against toxic wastes related to the
facility can be obtained.
(21) Allen Pucket,March 20,2024
• Lives near the proposed facility.
• Is concerned that one mistake or misuse could have devastating impacts.
• Is concerned about "wastewater" being dumped into streams and causing negative impacts to
drinking water for humans and animals.
• Is concerned that the water supply is less than half a mile away from the facility.
• Believes that the chances for contamination are very high and does not want to take the risk.
• Urges consideration of all the concerns in all the emails.
(22) Brantley Lyerly,March 20,2024
• The people of Richmond County are hereby petitioning DEQ to deny the ITD stormwater permit.
• As a lifetime resident of Richmond County,he feels betrayed that a threat to community and family
health could be coming to the county.
• Does not believe residents are being heard and believes other people have been paid to look the
other way.
• Believes the facility is a serious threat to drinking water. The incinerators are within 2500 feet of
the main public water source.
(23) Cody Boahn,March 20,2024
• Disapproves of issuing the referenced permit.
• Believes there is already enough to worry about in the world and does not want to have to worry
about pollution in water used for drinking,cooking,bathing,washing pets,fishing,and other uses.
• Believes runoff into the Lumber River Basin would cause future generations health issues.
• People in general already have enough difficulties and do not trust big companies or governmental
agencies.
9

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
• Believes approving this permit will lead to more people having cancer and other diseases.
(24) Dennis Rincker,March 20,2024
• Believes the permit will be issued but is against it.
• Is concerned about well water becoming contaminated.
• Believes the water from the site will end up in the cape fear watershed.
• Believes there are already many people dealing with contaminated well water due to other
facilities.
• Is strongly against approving the stormwater permit.
(25) Betty Carter,March 20,2024
• Is a landowner near the proposed site.
• County water does extend to her area.Only source of drinking water is private wells.Believes any
contamination would have severe impact on community, in particular agriculture and farming.
• Is concerned that discharging waste to an "unknown" tributary of the lumber River basin is
troubling, lacks transparency, and represents a potential risk to environment and health.
• Is concerned about recent changes in rules related to discharging toxic wastes into wetlands —
information provided by the Southern Environmental Law Center. Believes this could impact the
community's ability to hold ITD accountable for damages.
• Is urging that immediate actions be taken to stop the permitting process until adequate assurances
from the government that the community will be safeguarded against toxic wastes related to the
facility can be obtained.
(26) Eugene Marley,March 20,2024
• The people of Richmond County are hereby petitioning DEQ to deny the ITD stormwater permit.
(27) Jim Frei,February 20,2024
• Recommended changing the wording of Part D-3(a) to "Outfall monitoring efforts shall begin
during a measurable storm event that occurs during the facility's normal operating hours and
begins at least 72 hours after the end of the previous measurable event". This would involve
removing the requirement that monitoring begin with the "first"event.
• Recommends removing reference to "first"measurable storm event in Part D-3(c). He wants to
make it clear that multiple outfalls could be sampled during the same or separate storm events and
that all industrial outfalls will be sampled each quarter unless representative outfall status has been
granted.
• Recommends removing the entire sentence in Part D-3(f).
(28) Jon Lyerly,March 20,2024
• The people of Richmond County are hereby petitioning DEQ to deny the ITD stormwater permit.
(29) Joni Marley,March 20,2024
10

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
• The people of Richmond County are hereby petitioning DEQ to deny the ITD stormwater permit.
(30) Linda Ross,March 20,2024
• Attended the public hearing.
• It does not seem like anyone is listening.
• Does not believe anyone is concerned about the likelihood of great danger to the water system and
resident health.
• Is also concerned that the unnamed tributary listed in the draft permit means that the stream or
streams that will carry the water are not identified.
• Is concerned about animals drinking the water and children playing near ponds and streams that
could be contaminated.
• Wants the permit to be disapproved.
(31) Lisa Gardner,March 20,2024
• Emphasized that Hamlet is not against industry but is against"deadly cancer causing creosote".
• Encourages that DEQ include as many safeguards and restrictions in the permit as possible to
protect future generations.
(32) Regina Sizemore,RN,March 20,2024
• Concerned about repercussions to future generations.
• The facility has the potential to adversely affect the health of children and of the community by
polluting wells, creeks, farms, and air quality.
• County has had enough things go against them, does not need this "adding to the growing
concern".
• Lives near the site. They are already seeing an increase in air pollution related to logging in the
area. Approving this facility will make things worse.
• Is against approval of the permit.
(33) Toni Caulder,March 20,2024
• Is opposed to burning cross ties in Hamlet.
• Has relatives who live in the area.
• Believes that the facility is a threat to residents due to exposure to creosote.
• Concerned that fishing pond could be impacted.
• Concerned that water could be impacted.
• Asked why the facility is coming to Hamlet.
(34) Allison Story,March 21,2024
• Resident of Richmond County.
• Attended the public hearing and is disgusted that previous commissions may have "sold the
community off'for 50 jobs and other moneys.
11

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
• Concerned about protecting the land, wildlife, and human lives. Concerned that some wildlife
will be endangered or even become extinct.
(35) Charles and Ann Wheeler,March 20,2024
• Could not attend the public hearing.
• Familiar with stories about contamination coming from railroad industry.
• Do not believe that any amount of monitoring will stop problems from occurring.
• Concerned about carcinogens. Have had relatives who have had cancer,less than 1 mile from the
railroad.
• "Begging"that the facility not be permitted. Would like it moved to another location away from
the area.
(36) Barbara Orr,March 21,2024
• Lives near the proposed location.
• Has horses and other animals.
• Only source of drinking water is a well.
• Objects to the idea of burning ties in Hamlet.
• Believes it represents a risk of contamination to water, air, or soil in Richmond County.
(37) Donna Growe,March 21,2024
• Believes there is a high incident rate of cancer and breathing issues in the area.
• Has received notices of possible carcinogens in water. Believes railroad may be to blame.
• Proposed facility is being placed near homes, churches, chicken houses, and schools.
• Is asking why ITD has not had public meetings to answer questions and listen to concerns.
• Is very concerned about well water becoming contaminated due to human use of the water in
addition for multiple types of animals, such as cattle, chickens, and pigs.
• Was surprised that no one could ask questions at the public hearing and that each speaker had 3
minutes to speak.
• Would like the permit to be disapproved.
(38) Kathryn Hinsley,March 21,2024
• Resident of Hamlet.
• Requests that the permit not be approved.
• Concerned that runoff and air quality will be hazardous.
• Concerned about well water contamination.
(39) Lisa and Eddie Wilson
• Believe the water in the area is already of poor quality with unacceptable toxin levels. Do not
want anything else that has any possibility of contaminating the water supply.
• Do not trust the company or the government agencies.
• Believe everyone has the right to clean air and water.
12

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
• Would like help in requiring the city to clean up the existing water supply.
• Would like this facility to be moved to another location, far from people.
(40) Matthew Grant,March 21,2024
• Biggest concern is the amount of carcinogens that the community will be exposed to and the health
risks in the poor community.
• Community is poor and has no resources to fight such a facility. Is trying to get help from anyone
to stop the facility.
• Requests that the poor community be fairly treated.
(41) Nancy Stricklin,March 21,2024
• "Please do not grant the groundwater permit..."
• Lives close to the facility and already has respiratory and health issues.
• Is concerned about contaminated groundwater.
(42) Rene Anderson,March 22,2024
• Does not want International Tie Disposal in hometown.
• Has recently heard about cancers and deaths related to creosote treated railroad ties. Also
concerned about skin and tumors related to dermal exposure.
• Does not believe that the city's water is safe to drink.
• The proposed facility is close to the city's main water supply and to local farms, increasing the
risk.
• Would like to know about health studies at other such locations.
• Would like to know about the measures implemented to prevent absorption to soil and water and
air pollution.
• Is a nurse and nurse practitioner.
• There is already a high risk of cancer in the area.
• Concerned that this facility will increase the risk.
• Encouraging DEQ to work for the people and help prevent problems for the area.
• Requests that DEQ deny the stormwater permit.
13

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
(43) Shanda Roberson,March 21,2024 (same comments submitted twice on the same day)
• The county is polarized.
• Is concerned about the vicinity of the ITD stormwater drainage to the City's water supply,and the
known carcinogens that will be stored and incinerated.
• Believes the area will become contaminated.
• Understands that there is a plan to prevent contamination.
• Does not believe that ITD or county government can be trusted to protect citizens.
• Asks whether there are other locations where water was contaminated even though such a plan
existed.
• Asks who will be in charge of the checks and maintenance that the permit requires.
• Asks whether those people can be trusted.
• Asks if"you"would be comfortable with the facility close to your home and water supply.
• Asks whether suffering,disease,and death is worth the risk of enabling ITD to be this close to the
water supply.
(44) Tracy Robinson,March 21,2024
• Strongly disapproves of the ITD Plant.
• Landowner concerned about the impact to the community.
• Relies on a private well for all water use.
• Requests that the permit be delayed until the government can assure that the citizens of Richmond
County will be safeguarded against toxic waste.
(45) Barbara Orr,March 21,2024
• Lives within 4 miles of the proposed facility.
• Uses well water for herself,horses, and other animals.
• Grandchildren live nearby.
• Object to the company coming to the area and polluting air, soil and water.
• Recommends building the facility near"your"home and family.
(46) Beth Shepard,March 22,2024
• Wants ITD out of her hometown and county.
• Lives nearby the facility.
• City's main water source is only 2500 feet from the facility.
• Concerned about pollution of water supply and possibly two chicken farms that are nearby.
• Is concerned about the resident's health and other magnitude of harm that could result and related
costs.
14

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
(47) Christy Dixon,ANP-BC,March 22,2024
• Wants to keep ITD out of her hometown,Hamlet.
• Is concerned about the health risks associated with creosote-soaked ties.
• Proposed facility is close to main water source for the city and local farms.
• Believes the water is already not safe to drink and this could add more toxins increasing risk to
residents.
• Asks about what studies have been done at other facilities.
• Asks what safety measure have been implemented to prevent absorption to soil and water and air
pollution.
• Worked as a nurse and nurse practitioner.
• There is already a high rate of cancer in the area.
• Asks that DEQ work for the people and disallow this permit.
(48) Eric Legrand,March 22,2024
• Believes more people would have showed up for the meeting if the meeting had been advertised
more.
• Does not believe that anything positive will result from having ITD in Hamlet.
• Believes the citizens are vulnerable and that ITD will decimate Hamlet and surrounding areas.
• Requests that DEQ take the lives of the citizens of Hamlet into consideration when making this
decision.
(49) Halena and Joseph Brown, Sr.,March 22, 2024
• The ITD permit should not be approved.
• Stormwater will discharge to Mill Creek,Marks Creek,which is the primary water source for the
city of Dobbins Heights,NC, and Hamlet, and the rest of the county. This is a contributing water
source for the Lumber River Basin.
• The location is adjacent to the Sandhills State Gameland, which is the home of many threatened
and endangered species, including the Red-cockaded Woodpecker.
• Three school are in close proximity to the facility. Believes facility will impact air quality where
the children play and live.
• Questions why the facility would be allowed to burn ties when it is illegal for citizens to do so.
• Questions who is responsible for reporting violations. Does not believe it will work if the company
is responsible—reporting will be too late thus allowing contamination to continue.
• Understands that the plant is already up and running daily. Understands that cross ties are being
stored near the tree line and that burning is occurring with no protections for runoff.
• Does not want the community to become a dumping ground for this and similar industries.
• Wants the permit to be denied.
15

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
(50) Marjorie Dowless,March 22,2024
• Families have worked hard to own and maintain properties and raise and educate children in a safe
environment.
• Believes disposal of ties would adversely affect air and water quality.
• Request that the permit be refused.
(51) William Ferguson,March 22,2024
• Concerned about the proposed storage of 500,000 cross ties in Hamlet.
• Particularly concerned about invasive species,notably the Formoson Termite.
• Has pest control experience and is troubled by the potential risks.
• Presented information about the Formoson Termite and indicated that it is almost always
introduced via railroad ties. Ties serve as a vectors for spread of these termites,which can infest
healthy trees, and can kill trees.
• Indicated that once established, these subterranean termites can never be eradicated. Quoted
control and repair costs in the city of New Orleans as an estimated$300 million annually.
• Strongly urges:
i. A thorough risk assessment related to storing cross ties with specific attention to Formosan
Termites.
ii. Engage with experts on invasive species management,including entomologist,NC College
of Natural Resource, NC Department of Agriculture Pesticide Division, and NC Pest
Management Association, to develop a proactive plan for monitoring, preventing, and
managing the introduction of these termites and other invasive species associated with
railroad ties.
iii. Explore alternative storage options or mitigation measures.
iv. Ensure transparency in all decision making in this process, involving community
stakeholders and addressing public concerns.
The following written comments were received after the written comment deadline of 5 PM
on March 22, 2024. These summaries are provided for informational purposes and the
comments are also included in Appendix D.
(1) Donald L.Mulger(unsure of spelling of last name),March 27, 2024
• Strongly disapproves of the ITD Plan.
• Concerned about impact to community and severe consequences.
• Believes that discharging to an "unknown" tributary is troubling and lacks transparency, posing
potential risks to environment and health.
• Is concerned about recent regulatory changes related to toxic waste disposal into wetlands.
Believes this could impact the community's ability to hold ITD accountable for damages.
16

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
• Urges that the permitting process be stopped immediately until the government can provide
adequate assurance that the community will be safeguarded against toxic wastes brought to the
region by ITD.
(2) Patsy Morgan,March 27,2024
• Strongly disapproves of the ITD Plan.
• Concerned about impact to community and severe consequences.
• Believes that discharging to an "unknown" tributary is troubling and lacks transparency, posing
potential risks to environment and health.
• Is concerned about recent regulatory changes related to toxic waste disposal into wetlands.
Believes this could impact the community's ability to hold ITD accountable for damages.
• Urges that the permitting process be stopped immediately until the government can provide
adequate assurance that the community will be safeguarded against toxic wastes brought to the
region by ITD.
(3) Ernest Carter,March 28,2024
• Strongly disapproves of the ITD Plan.
• Concerned about impact to community and severe consequences.
• Believes that discharging to an "unknown" tributary is troubling and lacks transparency, posing
potential risks to environment and health.
• Is concerned about recent regulatory changes related to toxic waste disposal into wetlands.
Believes this could impact the community's ability to hold ITD accountable for damages.
• Urges that the permitting process be stopped immediately until the government can provide
adequate assurance that the community will be safeguarded against toxic wastes brought to the
region by ITD.
(4) Renee Grzybowski,March 28,2024
• Strongly disapproves of the ITD Plan.
• Concerned about impact to community and severe consequences.
• Believes that discharging to an "unknown" tributary is troubling and lacks transparency, posing
potential risks to environment and health.
• Is concerned about recent regulatory changes related to toxic waste disposal into wetlands.
Believes this could impact the community's ability to hold ITD accountable for damages.
• Urges that the permitting process be stopped immediately until the government can provide
adequate assurance that the community will be safeguarded against toxic wastes brought to the
region by ITD.
(5) Lisa Gardner,April 10,2024
• Asked whether DEQ can require ITD to build a tall fence,taller than their conveyer, around their
site so that fugitive dust will not leave the property.
17

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
Hearing Officer Recommendations:
The hearing officer recommends that the Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Energy,
Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) review all the public comments and respond to those that are
relevant to a stormwater permit being issued or denied. The hearing officer would like to call DEMLR's
attention to the following specific public comments:
1) There is a public concern that the potential exists for stormwater runoff from the site
to impact water supplies, including but not limited to public and/or private water
supply wells. The carcinogenic and/or other health effects of creosote are of
particular concern to the public.
2) There is a public concern that the monitoring proposed in the draft permit will not
prevent contamination from occurring.
3) There is a public concern about the potential for wildlife and human impacts from
wildlife drinking stormwater runoff from the site.
4) There is a public concern that an invasive species of termites could be introduced to
the area because of railroad tie storage.
5) Some of the comments were related to the use of the word"unknown"or"unnamed"
in relation to the discharge tributary. This discharge location should be clarified.
6) One commenter recommended that the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan be
prepared and made public prior to issuing the permit.
As the hearing officer for this public hearing,I attempted to accurately relay the comments provided in both
verbal and written form. No comments were intentionally omitted. It is my belief that the summaries
presented herein accurately relay the comments that were received.
DocuSigned�,b�y:Y
May 15,2024
4A35D6602B02438...
Jerry W. Eplin Date
18

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
APPENDIX A
HEARING OFFICER'S PRESENTATION
19

Hearing Officer Presentation
NPDES Stormwater Discharge Permit
for International Tie Disposal — Project Tie
NPDES Permit # NCS000613
The public hearing will please come to order. Before we begin, I ask that everyone turn off or silence
cell phones as a courtesy to the speakers.
My name is Jerry Eplin, and I have been appointed by the Interim Director of the Division of Energy,
Mineral, and Land Resources to serve as hearing officer for this hearing. I am and Environmental
Engineer, and the Acting Regional Engineer in the Division's Mooresville Regional Office.
At this time, I would like to introduce other representatives from the Department of Environmental
Quality:
• Mike Lawyer- Stormwater Program Supervisor
• Brianna Young - Industrial Individual Permit Coordinator
• Tim LaBounty- Regional Engineer of the Fayetteville Regional Office
• Kathryn Peterson—Assistant Regional Engineer in the Mooresville Regional Office
• Kat Russell—DEMLR Public Information Officer
This hearing is being held under the authority of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code
02H .0503. A Public Notice for this hearing was published in the Richmond County Daily Journal on
February 7, 2024, in a press release by the Division on February 8, 2024, and posted online on the
Department's and Division's Public Notice websites.
The purpose of this hearing is to obtain public comment on the application for an NPDES stormwater
permit from International Tie Disposal for the Internatinoal Tie Disposal—Project Tie facility. This
hearing is not a question-and-answer session with DEQ staff, it is an opportunity for us to obtain
community feedback on the application.
I will be preparing a written record of these proceedings. For this reason, the audio of this hearing is
being recorded. Written comments received by 5pm on March 22, 2024, will also be included as part of
the record. Written comments may be submitted to the email address or postal address found on the
handout available at the registration desk. Equal weight will be given to both written and oral comments.
I will now ask Brianna Young from the Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources to make a
short presentation.
Page 1 of 2

PRESENTATION
That concludes the Division's presentation. At this time,we will hear from audience members who have
signed up to speak. I will call on those who signed up, however, we cannot guarantee that we will have
time to hear from everyone, so please make your way to the microphone as quickly and efficiently as
possible to ensure that we are able to hear from as many people as possible in the time allowed.
There will be a 3-minute time limit for providing comments. Staff will keep track of the time and raise a
sign to indicate when you have I minute left, 30 seconds left, and when your time is up. Speakers are
encouraged to provide a written copy of their comments.
Cross-examination of speakers will not be allowed; however, I may ask questions for clarification. We
ask that everyone respect the right of others to speak without interruption.
I will now call speakers in the order that they registered. To ensure that our records are accurate,please
clearly state your name and, if applicable, the organization that you are representing. In addition, we ask
that you identify other associations you may have that have bearing on your input tonight. For example,
if you are appearing on your own behalf, but have obtained information from, or provided research to,
another group that is interested in this matter,please indicate so. Thank you for your cooperation.
If over the course of the hearing you decide that you do not need to speak or feel that a speaker has
already raised your concerns, you can opt to abstain from speaking but submit your written comments to
the Division for consideration. The Division does consider the written comments with the same gravity
as any of the comments raised orally tonight.
The stormwater applicant will provide the final comments of the night if they choose to do so. Now, I
will proceed on calling those who have indicated that they wish to speak.
CALL ON SPEAKERS
[If time allows] Is there anyone else that would like to comment? [Pause]
At this time, would the applicant wish to make some brief comments? [Pause]
If you did not speak tonight, but would like to submit written comments, they will be accepted until 5:00
pm on March 22, 2024. Written comments should be submitted to the email address or postal address
found on the handout available at the registration desk.
I would like to thank all of you for your attendance and interest tonight. This hearing is adjourned.
Page 2 of 2

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
APPENDIX B
SLIDES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY'S
PRESENTATION
20

International Tie Disposal — Project Tie
Public Hearing — March 18, 2024
• The hearing will begin at 6:00 PM
a 1
• To access permit documents, scan the QR code or visit:
. .
https://bit.ly/3VcQrkF �.�.
■
1
• Public comment period closes Friday, March 22, 2024 at 5:00 pm
• Email public comments to: Brian na.Young(c-deg.nc.gov
• Please type "International Tie Disposal" in the subject line.
D E
NORTH CAROLINA —
Department of Environmental Quality

International Disposal, Project Tie
Draft NPDES Stormwater Permit NCS000613 • . •
March i
Department ofEnvironmental
-W NNW
NOF4TH CAROLINA
f� Department of Environmental Quality

06
NPDES Permitting Process
• Complete Application
• Draft Permit
• Public Notice (30-day comment period)
• Public Hearing
• Final Permit Decision
• Issued permits active for up to 5 years D E
NORTH CAROU
Department ofEnviYonmental Quality I>epartmentofEnvironmentalquality

International Tie Disposal, LLC
Project Tie Facility
• Project Tie is a proposed greenfield biochar manufacturing facility
• Process crushed untreated lumber and creosote-treated railroad ties in steel kilns through
pyrolysis
• One stormwater outfall (SW003)
• Stormwater proposed to discharge to an unnamed tributary to Mill Creek
• Class C waters
D E
NORTH CAROLINA —
Department ofEnvir'onmental Quality Department of Environmental Quality t, /�

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ti Outfall SWO03 Analytical Monitoring
UT to Mill CreekMEL
=
EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS BENCHMARK MEASUREMENT FREQUENCY
Total Suspended Solids 100 mg/L Quarterly
pH 6 s.u. — 9 s.0 Quarterly
Total Rainfall - Quarterly
Non-Polar Oil & Grease 15 mg/L Quarterly
Estimated Average Monthly Oil - Quarterly
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) 30 mg/L Quarterly
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 120 mg/L Quarterly
Creosote 0.3 mg/L Quarterly
,�: D E
tl /�
NORTH CAROLINA —
Department of Environmental Quality

- Outfall SWO03 Visual Monitoring _
UT to Mill CreekMEL - =
• Color
• Odor
• Clarity
• Floating Solids
• Suspended Solids
• Foam
• Oil Sheen
• Deposition at or immediately below the outfall
• Erosion at or immediately below the outfall
• Other obvious indicators of stormwater pollution
D E
NORTH CAROLINA —
Department of Environmental Quality

Stormwater Permit Components
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) requirements
• Tier Response Actions
• Electronic Discharge Monitoring Reports (eDMR) requirements
• Standard permit conditions
D E iii7ZA
NORTH CAROLINA —
Department ofEnvir'onmental Quality Department of Environmental Quality

4 Anticipated Application Timeline
• Public Hearing: March 18, 2024
• Public Comment Period Ends: March 22, 2024 at 5:00 pm
• Hearing Officer's Report
• Final Permit Decision: No later than June 16, 2024
D E
NORTH CAROLINA —
Department ofEnvir'onmental Quality Department of Environmental Quality

Contact Information
Mike Lawyer, Stormwater Program Supervisor
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]
Brianna Young, Industrial Individual Permit Coordinator
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]
D E
NORTH CAROLINA —
Department ofEnvir'onmental Quality Department of Environmental Quality

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
APPENDIX C
PUBLIC HEARING SIGN-IN SHEETS
21

Division of Energy,Mineral,and
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SPEAKER SIGN—INaSHEETs
March 18,2024
International Tie Stormwater Public Hearing
Speaker First and Last Name Contact Information
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International Tie Stormwater Public Hearing
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March 18, 2024
International Tie Stormwater Public Hearing
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March 18,2024
International Tie Stormwater Public Hearing
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Division of Energy,Mineral,and Land Resources
[�- ATTENDEE SIGN-IN SHEET
March 18,2024
International Tie Stormwater Public Hearing

Hearing Officer's Report
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources
International Tie Disposal Public Hearing March 18, 2024
NPDES stormwater permit application NCS000613
APPENDIX D
WRITTEN COMMENTS
22

Young, Brianna A
From: Ann Wheeler <[e-mail]>
Sent: Saturday, March 9, 2024 6:09 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] Re: ITD permit-public meeting on March 15
CAUTION: External email. Do not click links or open attachments unless verified. Report suspicious emails with the
Report Message button located on your Outlook menu bar on the Home tab.
Brianna, I am sorry about the mistaken date. The ITD meeting will be on March 18, not the 15th. Please forgive this
mistake.
Sent from my iPhone
>On Mar 8, 2024, at 12:16 PM, Ann Wheeler<[e-mail]>wrote:
> Brianna, I am sending you this email because my husband, Charles, and I will not be able to attend the meeting on
March 15 at the Cole in Hamlet, NC. due to health problems.
>We have lived here on Boyd Lake Road all of our lives, both of us. We have benefitted from family employment on the
railroad so we know up close and personal what this industry has already done to our environment here in the Marks
Creek community. We have heard stories of the "dirty dirt", passed down from men who were actually involved in the
dumping of those waste chemicals, that have leaked into the ground and traveled into lakes and ponds around us.
These waste basins were "monitored"just as this new process by ITD will be and we know from experience that no
amount of"monitoring"will stop what is about to happen to those of us who live here. When you watch member after
member of your family die from cancer, ANYTHING that is a carcinogen becomes a big deal. We have suffered through
this horrible disease FIVE times in the past few years...sister, brother, and brother and sister-in-laws that share no DNA,
but DO share the same environment...right here less than a mile from railroad disposal of WASTE.
>We are literally begging you to not add more to this problem. We know these creosote ties must be disposed of, but
we ask that you require it to be done in a place where the water and air pollution that it will bring will NOT directly affect
our children and grandchildren who are tied to this community. Thank you.
>Charles and Ann Wheeler
>624 Boyd Lake Road
> Hamlet, NC 28345
1

Young, Brianna A
From: Carole Venable <[e-mail]>
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2024 3:45 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal facility in Richmond County
Attachments: Talking Points for Carole M Venable for Monday.docx
CAUTION: External email. Do not click links or open attachments unless verified. Report suspicious emails with the Report Message
button located on your Outlook menu bar on the Home tab.
Please see my Attachment regarding my opposition to this Permit.
Thank you, Carole M. Venable
Carole Venable
[e-mail]
i

Talking Points for Carole M Venable for Monday, March 18, 2024 at Cole Auditorium
Hamlet, N.C. Stormwater permit for International Tie Disposal facility in Richmond County
Good evening and thank you for the opOrtunity to express my opposition to issuance of a stormwater
permit coverage for International Tie Disposal, LLC at 174 Marks Creek Church Rd, Hamlet, N.C.
I am Carole M.Venable, Retired FNP and long term health care provider in Richmond County, MY
HOME.This has been My family's home for Generations since early settlers purchased land and
Started farming,Turpentine harvesting, building homes and Churches and raising families. Many
descendants of the McDonalds and McDuffie's still call this home as they build homes and establish
Families in this beautiful place
Over the years we have not been diligent to protect our environment and have let in carcinogenic
Toxins!! We welcomed Tobacco, Cotton, Peach, and Corn Farming with the applications of
Pesticide to protect our crops but not our people!! In our county many lives have been cut short by
cancer. Working with these patients was difficult since the treatments were crude and not
Very effective. Watching the Families of my patients lose their Loved Ones was the most tiring part of my
Richmond County Hospice job!!!This continues taxing our Health Care workers today!
We need to Rid our County of Toxins and not bring in more!!!! Ground Water will "run where it may,"
caring particles to our drinking water and into our bodies! Many of these particles
Are Toxins and produce Cancer. Creosote is a Human Carcinogen as determined by the EPA—
Environmental Protection Agency. It is used in preserving wood and as a pesticide.
This reminds me of my Mother's wisdom back in the 1950s when we had to pick off Bean Beetles instead
of using a pesticide in her Garden as she exclaimed- "If it will kill a bug, it will kill
You too!!! Nough said—we continued picking off beetles!
This situation in our county causes my heart to hurt as I think of its potential harm!!! I think of the
wisdom of one of my favorite Poets- Robert Burns in his "ODE TO A MOUSE" 111
In view of conserving time for the next speaker I will share only one verse for your consideration, but
encourage all of you to think on "ODE TO A MOUSE"111

Some of the original words are translated from his dialect for better understanding
But, Mousie,thou art not alone,
Improving foresight may be vain;
The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men
Often go wrong
An 'leave us nought but grief an' pain
For promised joy!!!!!
Vote NO for this Permit!!
Thank you for listening< Carole M.Venable

Young, Brianna A
From: Amy Guinn <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 10:11 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] Stormwater Runoff Permit#NCS000613, ITD site
You don't often get email from [e-mail]. Learn why this is important
CAUTION: External email. Do not click links or open attachments unless verified. Report suspicious emails with the Report Message
button located on your Outlook menu bar on the Home tab.
I attended the Public Hearing this evening where there were easily 100+ concerned residents in the room.
The 14 people who spoke brought up very valid points pertaining to why this permit should NOT be allowed. I
ask that you carefully consider this matter as it could have very far reaching negative effects for years to come.
I have no additional facts to add or argue,just another resident who is strongly against this permit.
Amy H. Guinn, Mayor
City of Hamlet,NC
[phone]
1

Young, Brianna A
From: Jess Wilson <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 8:18 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
IYou don't often get email from [e-mail]. Learn why this is important
CAUTION: External email. Do not click links or open attachments unless verified. Report suspicious emails with the Report Message
button located on your Outlook menu bar on the Home tab.
Hello, Mizz Young, I am Jessie Burgess, a current resident of Richmond County, and I strongly oppose the
approval of ITD's rainwater run-off permit. The possible health and ecological risks far outway any benefit
our community would recieve. I feel the company, ITD, has not offered any assurance of ecological
responsibility, nor had open discourse within the community to help us understand why we "should not
worry" about the possible effects this industry brings to the county.
Thankyou,
Jessie Burgess
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Lisa Gardner <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 4:33 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal Hamlet NC
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Hello
What provisions will there be to prevent fugitive dust from settling in neighboring ponds etc after leaving
their property?
Thankyou
Lisa Gardner
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Martie T. Butler <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 4:05 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal, Hamlet NC
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Good afternoon Ms.Young,
wanted to submit a letter on behalf of Richmond County Economic Development in support of ITD, or
International Tie Disposal In Hamlet. We have been working with this company for several years. Their level of
professionalism,transparency has been nothing short of refreshing. The site in choice, is located adjacent to
CSX rail yard &has been deemed consistent with the Richmond County Land Use Plan. I realize the hearing in
question is related to storm water permit.
"This project has been fully vetted by multiple subject matter experts, public works, and multiple state division
agencies.All the experts agree that the project poses no health risk to any adjoining neighbors or communities
water supply. Richmond County has full confidence in this project.We believe that the concerns expressed by a
few opponents are based upon mere speculation, not fact." With any new innovative project or company,we
realize there are always concerns. This company has been in our community speaking with residences and
answering questions.
Thank-you for your time.
Best,
Martie
Martie T Butler
Management Analyst/Economic Developer
County of Richmond
O: 910.997.8191
M: 910.635.7087
1401 Fayetteville Rd I PO Box 504
Rockingham, NC 28380
® O
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Holland, Brianna
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 7:45 AM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: FW: [External] Disapproval of ITD plant in Richmond County
Brianna,
Do you handle things like this?
Thanks!
From: Anne Snead <[e-mail]>
Sent:Tuesday, March 19, 2024 8:24 PM
To: Holland, Brianna <brianna.hol land @deq.nc.gov>
Subject: [External] Disapproval of ITD plant in Richmond County
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Subject: Disapproval of ITD Plant in Richmond County
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I am writing to express my strong disapproval of the ITD plant that is planned for Richmond County.
As a landowner with four houses off of Old Wix Road in Hamlet, I am deeply concerned about the
potential impact on our community.
Firstly, it is important to note that we are located outside the city limits, and unfortunately, the county
water supply does not extend to our area. Our sole source of water is from private wells. Given this
reliance on well water, any contamination could have severe consequences for our community,
especially for agriculture and farming.
ITD's application for a permit to discharge waste from the incinerators into an "unknown"tributary of
the Lumber River basin is particularly troubling. The lack of transparency regarding this tributary
raises serious questions about the potential risks to our environment and health.
Furthermore, I recently learned from the Southern Environmental Law Center that North Carolina
legislators have voted to remove restrictions on toxic waste disposal into wetlands. This decision
puts us in a precarious position, as we now face a battle against ITD to hold them accountable for
any damage they may cause to our property and the surrounding areas.
I urge you to take immediate action to halt this permitting process until we receive adequate
assurances from our government that our community will be safeguarded against the toxic waste
that ITD intends to bring to our region.
i

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will consider the well-being of our
community and act in our best interests.
Sincerely,
Anne Snead 698 Wiregrass rd. Hamlet, NC 28345
Email correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties by an authorized
state official.
2

Young, Brianna A
From: Ashely Robinson <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 1:21 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] Petition against International Tie Disposal
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Good afternoon! I live in the small town of Hamlet, NC where I see that ITD is planning to set up an operation here, close
to our main county water source. Just like the rest of the residents in our town, I'm very concerned on what this will
mean for our water supply and what kind of health affects it may pose for all the residents, especially our children.
This email is to express my dislike and unwant of this company in our town. It serves no benefits, only risks,and this is a
petition against the set up and operation in our town of Hamlet NC.
Please hear my request and act accordingly.
Again,this email is to notify that I am 100%against the set up and operation of International Tie Disposal in Hamlet NC.
Thank you,
Ashely Robinson, concerned resident
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Chase Puckett <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 8:43 AM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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Goodmorning,
I am emailing about the ITD that is trying to invade my home town.Anyone that thinks this is a great step for my
community either isn't informed on how bad it will be for the community or is money blind. I spend most of my time in
the area of where the plant is supposed to go, either hunting or working. With the plans of the storm water running of
into a branch around the plant this water will be polluting the water our wildlife will drink as this plant will sit
surrounded by the Sandhills Gamelands where hunters from all over the state come to enjoy the wildlife.
On the North Carolina Wildlife website I found a document named "Sandhills Game Land Management Plan" on page 8 it
clearly says that the objectives of this plan is:To provide, protect, and actively manage habitat conditions to benefit
aquatic and terrestrial wildlife resources. How can we say we are doing our part of providing, protecting, or managing
habitat conditions for our wildlife when someone is threatened there habitat and we are going to let it happen?This
plant might help some but think of the devastating impact it is going to have on the surrounding environment, humans,
and wildlife in OUR TOWN.
DON'T POLLUTE OUR AIR AND WATER!

Young, Brianna A
From: Christian Dixon <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 3:59 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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To whom it may concern,
I feel that the opening of this operation is an unjust and unfair act to the community. The disclosure about potential
contaminants to our water supply should be enough reason for any sound minded individual to agree that this operation
should not be permitted. I stand with those in opposition of this operation.
Christian Dixon
i

Young, Brianna A
From: David Cuddihy <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 5:23 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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Dear Ms. Young, it was nice meeting you last night at the public hearing at Cole Auditorium in Hamlet. I
appreciate your and your coworkers coming to Hamlet to hear the pleas of our citizens. As you realized from
the speakers, we are deeply concerned about the chemicals that will be released into the water in nearby
wells located in the vicinity of the tie disposal plant and also into the water system of the city of Hamlet.
Another problematic result of ties being disposed of by burning them is the carcinogenic smoke which will
travel in many directions with the wind.
I work at Second Baptist Christain Academy in Hamlet, which is not far from the railroad tie plant site. We
have approximately 190 students ranging from 3-year-olds to 8t" graders. The polluted water and polluted
smoke will be detrimental to their health.
On behalf of these and all children in the area, plus all the citizens of Hamlet, please realize the adverse effects
we will receive if the groundwater permit is given to the International Tie Disposal company.
Thank you for your time.
Sandra Cuddihy
Hamlet Citizen
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Debbie Jacobs <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 8:53 AM
To: Young, Brianna A; [e-mail]
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal - Hamlet
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Good Morning,
I am writing along with the other concerned citizens of Hamlet and Richmond County to ask that you do grant this permit.
We do not want or need this in our community. I have read the MSDS and read other data online.
I am old and it may not effect me but it will effect my children and Grandchildren from long term exposures to the air
quality and the water source.
We beg of you to not grant them the permit to operate in our small community.
Think about this if it were in your hometown, would you want it here? Of course not so why would we want it here. Wonder
why they picked our little town, it could be yours next time.
Send them to another state please!
Debbie James

Young, Brianna A
From: [e-mail]
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 12:07 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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To Whom It May Concern,
As a resident of Moore County, I ask that you please do not allow this company to drain their water into
the Mill Creek and Lumbar River basin. Creosote is a known carcinogen according to the EPA and the
railroad ties that will be processed by this facility is coated in it damaging our wildlife and aquatic
animals.
Respectively,
Dr. Deena Tiches
1033 Cranes Creek rd
Cameron, NC 28326
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1

Young, Brianna A
From: Jason R. Gainey <Jason.Gainey@ rich mondnc.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:52 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International tie disposal
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Hi Brianna,
This is Jason Gainey.As you are aware,we have some citizens concerned about the tie disposal in Richmond County.
As I was not on the board when this was approved, could you forward me first hand information about the safety
requirements, inspections (initial and ongoing),water run off contingency plans, etc. -send it all.
If you have any other factual information that I could review about this type facility, I would certainly like to see it.
My goal here, should this facility be coming, and it appears it is,would be to be a good neighbor to this company, all the
while keeping our citizens safe,their property values in tact, and their children free from disease.
I think our citizens would be much happier knowing that we don't need Erin Brockovich to save us.
Help me help our citizens. If this is bad for us, help us stop it. Every person involved in this project has said this is safe.
I've read that this is a good business, has many safety measures and will not pollute our water. If it's harmless, show us
and keep showing us.
Thanks for your help and hearing our community.
Sincerely,
Jason Gainey

Young, Brianna A
From: Jennifer Carpenter <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 5:52 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] INTERNATIONAL TIE DISPOSAL
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Good afternoon Brianna,
As a resident of Richmond county, my family and I do not want International Tie Disposal anywhere near
our county or water supply. Please do not allow them to come to our county. Our families do not want
cancer or cardiovascular issues so that this company can make a profit at the expense of our families
health.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Carpenter
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Kelly Wheeler <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:17 AM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] Hamlet- DEQ Stormwater Permit Response to Director
Attachments: DEQ Statement (1).pdf
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Please see attached statement for permit review.
Thank you
Ms.Kelly C. Wheeler
Visual Arts Educator, Clio Elementary School
843-586-9391 1 kwheeler(a)marlboro.k12.sc.us
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El

Kelly C.Wheeler
1816 Sandcrest Drive
Rockingham, NC 28379
[e-mail]
910-417-9752
To: Director of the Department of Environmental Quality, North Carolina
Regarding: Hamlet; ITD March 19th, 2024
Dear Sir or Madam,
My interest in writing to you today is to express a direct conflict of interest between the
values of the DEQ and its intent with the knowledge of an industry placement in the
Hamlet location that would directly involve active burning or railway ties emitting
creosote in the air.
While I realize the position of the stormwater committee exists to initially grant
stormwater licenses for any industry who claims they are willing to comply, and cannot
revoke an applicant unless there is evidence at the time of filing of non-compliance.
However, you find yourself in a very precarious situation considering you stand at
a crossroads as a witness to a definitive trainwreck that WILL , not could, WILL impact
the children, families, elderly, - of all races and creeds in the Hamlet area. It will happen
if you allow this corporation to incinerate and pollute air and local stormwater that will
reach communities from here to South Carolina.- Runoff, ponds, creeks, and rivers. This
doesn't even include drinking water. You are aware of the potential damage that this
permit could usher in for these citizens. Not to mention the short and long term effects
of creosote exposure in both water and air that cause a direct impact to kidneys, liver,
and brain. —This from the Environmental Protection Agency.
While I understand your sending the committee to "sit and hear" citizen concerns and
allow the applicant a chance to respond, what this does is further acknowledge that you
are aware of the effects that this permit decision will cause and based on your decision
you ultimately decide whether you will be a party to the devastation.
We both know it is easier to stop a train that has not yet been put into motion.
As the DEQ you have heard concern, have reason to believe that the impact of
continuous and ongoing incineration of railroad ties will emit toxins into the air and
pollute ground water. - Isn't this the essence of what your department stands against?

Is it ok for "some" areas of NC to have clean air and drinking water but not the poor
areas that have cheap industrial real estate? Your decision in granting this permit or not
will establish a precedent for further industry to be established in the state. Whether you
recognize this or not.
Do you have tangible evidence of this at the moment? No. Have you make conclusive
decisions about the pollution of ground water and other conditions that lead to
destruction of natural resources without it, I am most certain.
have made a suggestion with Mr. Mike Lawyer to investigate the burning of 6-8
months without permits at the site now. I am encouraging citizens to test the ground
water now and document now, during, and after.
It is entirely negligent, in my opinion, for the DEQ to KNOW the impact this will cause
and still approve this permit.
In my opinion if you approve this you might as well be the conductor of the train.
For the citizens of Richmond County and Hamlet township, like you, they just want to be
able to turn on their faucet to get clean water for themselves. To cook, clean, take a
shower, and run their businesses. Every moment the faucet is on will be a moment they
have to second guess if this will harm them and their loved ones. They just want to be
able to go outside and enjoy the weather without having to check the Air Quality Index
for themselves or to be able to send their kids to school without a pollution mask.
can speak from personal experience as someone who has lived in a foreign country
that burned creosote and coal frequently and now has had long term effects from it just
from being outside in short durations- asthma, increased allergy sensitivity, and scarred
lungs as a 30 year old. As a teacher there, I daily had to check the AQI Air Quality Index
to see "how bad" the pollution was to know how to dress, or have to clean my face after
walking in from my vehicle.
You grant this permit and you are asking the people of Hamlet to compromise their
entire way of life for an industry that will just pick up and find another spot and another
DEQ in another state. Keep this out of Hamlet. Keep this out of North Carolina.
Deny this permit and give these people a shot at a healthy way of life. Don't sell them
down the river too.
Sincerely, Kelly C. Wheeler, NBCT, M.Ed,

Young, Brianna A
From: [e-mail]
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 8:39 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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To whom it may concern:
I am submitting this letter as a plea to keep International Tie Disposal (ITD) out of my hometown,
Hamlet, NC. Unfortunately, I feel late to this game by submitting my objection to this company
invading our town, as it appears that ITD is set-up and ready for business.
My husband and I live within 5miles of this projected job site. We do feel that ITD brings a threat to
our health. We are on city water and with our city's main water supply being Marks Creek, located
just a mere 2500ft from the location of this proposed site that will be responsible for disposing of
timber contaminated with creosote, a known carcinogen. And yes, I am aware that not everyone in
our county drinks Hamlet water but let me bring to DEQ's attention that there are 2 Perdue chicken
farms, one within 990yds and the other farm less than one mile from the ITD site. Together these two
farms produce roughly over 190,000 chickens quarterly. These chickens are processed at our
Rockingham Perdue plant and distributed to be consumed all over the state. The possibility of
contamination to these farms is an added threat and also on the flip side if contamination were to
occur the economical effects of this would be substantial at so many levels to our community.
I would like to close with this final view of this situation at hand. I have worked as a healthcare
professional for almost 27years. Over the last 7 years I have practiced locally as a Family Nurse
Practitioner providing health care to our community. In healthcare we stress the importance of
prevention, be proactive for your health to prevent disease processes. If we can be proactive and
prevent the start of these diseases the strain on our healthcare system is less. I would challenge the
ones reading this letter today and ultimately responsible for the health of our community, to also be
proactive when looking at the submitted application for ITD's Stormwater permit. Please help to
prevent future detrimental health issues and protect the health of the citizens in our small, rural town,
by denying this and any further permits for operation of ITD in Hamlet, NC.
Sincerely,
Kim Puckett
420 Boyd Lake Road
Hamlet, NC 28345
910-206-5932
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Kristi Newton <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 1:37 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] Reject the permit for ITD
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I am contacting you concerning Richmond Co INC and all counties that will be affected by any
contaminated run off to the Lumber River Basin (or any run off)whether it be well water, rivers, streams,
Lakes, ponds that will supply water for human consumption.
I am extremely concerned that you will permit poisonous carcinogens to contaminate our water
supplies, land and air.
Just because we are small, rural, poor areas, we should not be a dumping ground to be poisoned. Our
children and grandchildren will not only have to be concerned about their health but generations to
come, that is if the cancer causing carcinogens do not affect reproductive organs.
It will also affect livestock people raise to feed their families through the water, but also the ground they
eat from and it will affect pets that we feel are part of our family.
You will surely hear this from many citizens but I will reiterate;
Please think if this were your community.What if this were your children, grandchildren, spouse,friends
neighbors or pets.
What if you were the one watching your loved one go through chemo or radiation that was caused by
people that could have stopped it but chose poison over humanity.
Richmond Co INC does not want ITD. The only ones that do are the ones that have benefited and most
likelywill continue to benefit.Those people are not in areas that will have to reap the repercussions of
the decisions they have made.
I hope and even beg that you will be humane to us and vote against ITD's request for the permit.
It is in your hands now to decide our health, our children and grandchildren's health.
Please do not be the ones that knowingly cause our community and future residents to be poisoned, to
be riddled with cancer. We know this will be the outcome and it is irrefutable.
I am hoping that my and everyone's emails are read and taken to heart and mind and you will be humane
and compassionate and help the thousands upon thousands of people in ours and surrounding counties
and vote against the ITD permit.
Other than saying to you to please pick the people that this will be detrimental to and will be the
casualties of greed of a multimillion dollar company that will not look back to see the aftermath, I don't
know what else to say. Please do not be apart of their greed from making an inhumane decision causing
consequences for the thousands of people that it affects and the lives of generations to come.
I hope you have read my email and taken seriously the magnitude of destruction this will cause to human
beings. Please put our lives ahead of any other agendas that might be a deciding factor.
Thank you for your time,
Kristi Maines
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Lloyd Maines <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 3:17 PM
To: Lawyer, Mike;Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] ITD permit/Richmond Co NC
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To whom it may concern;
I am sending a plea to you to think of every angle of how approving ITD a permit will affect the people of
Richmond Co NC and all surrounding counties if you issue ITD the permit for the water run off.
Carcinogens by definition is a substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue.
Water is not only consumed by people but it will cause negative effects on gardens that we grow and the
animals we raise to feed our families.
This vote, if it is in favor of ITD, allows them to contaminate our bodies and the items we put into our
bodies. We need to have the freedom to naturally and organically grow and raise our food.
Our children and the children to come will be the casualties of the negative effects this will do to our
water, our land, our air and our property values.
All we have to leave our children in our departure from life is the earth we have protected,the land we
have planted for substance, and the right to live a healthy life. We cannot give any of this to any children
in our county or surrounding counties that will need the use of the water that has been contaminated.
Any water, land, or animals we hunt, that has used the affected areas, will not be safe from cancer and
the spread to the persons consuming them.There is no way for anyone to justify voting in this poison to
be allowed for consumption in any way.
We bathe in and drink this water. We plant and feed animals with this water. You cannot in good
consciously, allow ITD a permit to contaminate our community.
Thank you, Lloyd Maines
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Marcia Floyd <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:03 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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Subject: Disapproval of ITD Plant in Richmond County
Dear Brianna,
I am writing to express my strong disapproval of the ITD plant that is
planned for Richmond County. As a landowner with a home on
Campbell Rd in Hamlet(approximately 2 miles from the proposed site), I
am deeply concerned about the potential impact on our community.
Firstly, it is important to note that we are located outside the city limits,
and unfortunately, the county water supply does not extend to our area.
Our sole source of water is from private wells. Given this reliance on
well water, any contamination could have severe consequences for our
community, especially for agriculture and farming.
ITD's application for a permit to discharge waste from the incinerators
into an "unknown" tributary of the Lumber River basin is particularly
troubling. The lack of transparency regarding this tributary raises
serious questions about the potential risks to our environment and
health.
Furthermore, I recently learned from the Southern Environmental Law
Center that North Carolina legislators have voted to remove restrictions
on toxic waste disposal into wetlands. This decision puts us in a
precarious position, as we now face a battle against ITD to hold them
accountable for any damage they may cause to our property and the
surrounding areas.

I urge you to take immediate action to halt this permitting process until
we receive adequate assurances from our government that our
community will be safeguarded against the toxic waste that ITD intends
to bring to our region.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will
consider the well-being of our community and act in our best interests.
Sincerely,
Al and Marcia Floyd
464 Campbell Rd
Hamlet NC 28345
z

Young, Brianna A
From: Allen Puckett <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 8:30 AM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] Re: International Tie Disposal
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On Wed, Mar 20, 2024 at 8:25 AM Allen Puckett<allenpuck gmail.com>wrote:
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to you today to express my concern over the impending permit for stormwater to
International Tie Disposal. Living not more than 5 miles from this site, this scares me. I know that things
have to be regulated and checked but 1 mistake or misuse could and will cause devastating
consequences. Wastewater dumped into our streams could cause negative impacts to our drinking
water for both peoples homes and for the animals that live along these streams. We get our water from
Hamlet city water and Hamlet's water supply come from Marks Creek which is less that a half mile from
this property so the chance for contamination is very high and not a risk I want to take. I fully hope you
consider all the concerns of all the emails sent in before allowing this permit to be used.
Thank you for your time,
Allen Puckett
420 Boyd Lake Rd.
Hamlet, NC 28345
[e-mail]
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Brantley Lyerly <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 10:28 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] "International Tie Disposal"
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We, the people of Richmond County, NC, along with residents of all towns near and surrounding
Hamlet, NC I, Brantley Lyerly of Richmond County, NC, do hereby partition DEQ to DENYthe
stormwater permit for ITD, LLC.
I am writing concerning the storm
water permit for the International Tie Disposal company that seems to be setting up business in our
small town of Hamlet. I am a lifetime resident of Richmond County. I'm feel so betrayed that a threat to
our community's health and the health of our families, could even wiggle their toes into our county!
Guess a few people get paid to turn and look the other way,while residents aren't being heard. This is a
serious threat to our drinking water, their incinerators are within 2500 ft of Hamlets main public water
source.
Brantley Lyerly
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Cody Boahn <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 11:13 AM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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Good morning,
My name is Cody Boahn and I am a concerned citizen. I'm sure I'm not the first nor last person who will
be contacting you this week. I am writing this email to express an absolute disapproval of the subject at
hand. Our state, our counties, our country, and our entire world have enough issues as it is.We do not
need to worry more than we already do about the water we use for drinking, cooking, washing our
children, washing our pets, fishing in, the list goes on. Runoff water into the Lumber River Basin would
surely cause our future generations to have increased health issues. Our children are already facing
awful sickness and disease sometimes even upon birth. We do not need to do anything to contribute to
these numbers. The American people have it hard enough and we already do not trust big corporations
and government agencies. This will only make matters worse if more and more of us succumb to cancer
and other diseases from our estuaries. Please do not let our voice fall on deaf ears as they have in the
past.
Respectfully,
Cody Boahn
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Dennis Rincker <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 10:12 AM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Desposal
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OK well you are probably going to go ahead no matter what people want or what damage you will do. We use well water
and many people in this area of marks creek use well water everyday. Please rethink this decision to dispose of this junk
in our creek water. If I an not mistaken this watershed ends up in cape fear watershed. WHAT ARE YOU
THINKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you don't approve this you will most likly approve well disposal and it will end up in our water
anyway. PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS, WE ALREADY HAVE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE CANNOT USE WELL WATER
BECAUSE OF PEACH TREE CHEM'S AND DUKE ENERGY COAL ASH. GET OFF YOUR A--AND DO SOMETHING
CONSTRUCTIVE AND DESTRUCTIVE. Dennis Rincker Hamlet NC
1

Young, Brianna A
From: Ernest Carter <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 7:48 AM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] Disapproval of ITD Plant in Richmond County
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Subject: Disapproval of ITD Plant in Richmond County
Dear Brianna,
I am writing to express my strong disapproval of the ITD plant that is planned for Richmond County. As a
Landowner with four houses off of Old Wix Road in Hamlet, I am deeply concerned about the potential
impact on our community.
Firstly, it is important to note that we are located outside the city limits, and unfortunately,the county
water supply does not extend to our area. Our sole source of water is from private wells. Given this
reliance on well water, any contamination could have severe consequences for our community,
especially for agriculture and farming.
ITD's application for a permit to discharge waste from the incinerators into an "unknown" tributary of the
Lumber River basin is particularly troubling.The lack of transparency regarding this tributary raises
serious questions about the potential risks to our environment and health.
Furthermore, I recently learned from the Southern Environmental Law Center that North Carolina
legislators have voted to remove restrictions on toxic waste disposal into wetlands.This decision puts us
in a precarious position, as we now face a battle against ITD to hold them accountable for any damage
they may cause to our property and the surrounding areas.
I urge you to take immediate action to halt this permitting process until we receive adequate assurances
from our government that our community will be safeguarded against the toxic waste that ITD intends to
bring to our region.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will consider the well-being of our community
and act in our best interests.
Respectfully
Betty Carter
204 Fellowship Drive
Hamlet, North Carolina 28345
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Eugene Marley <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 10:35 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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We, the people of Richmond County, NC, along with residents of all towns near and surrounding Hamlet,
NC. I, Eugene Marley, of Richmond County, NC, do hereby partition DEQ to DENYthe stormwater
permit for ITD, LLC.
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Jim Frei <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 5:17 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] "International Tie Disposal" Draft NCS000613 Stormwater Permit
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Ms. Young—
Accept this email as my public comment.
Referring to Part D-3(a), I would suggest removing the requirement that outfall monitoring efforts begin with the
firSt.....that occurs during...
Since off-site consultants are often the personnel that collect the samples at multiple clients throughout the Quarterly
monitoring periods, it is impossible for consultants to be at multiple sites during the first storm event of the
Quarter. Whether the sample is from the first,third, or tenth storm event during the Quarter makes no difference in the
analysis.
My recommendation is that the sentence should read: Outfall monitoring efforts shall begin during a measurable storm
event that occurs during the facility's normal operating hours and begins at least 72 hours after the end of the previous
measureable storm event.
Referring to Part D-3(c), I would suggest re-writing this sentence to remove the reference to the first measurable storm
event to make it clear that if multiple outfalls are present, they can be sampled during the same or separate storm
events. All industrial outfalls will be sampled each Quarter unless representative outfall status has been granted.
Referring to Part D-3(f), I would suggest removing this entire sentence. It means nothing and no one is going to discard
a sample because it may or may not meet some undefined characteristic volume or nature.
V/r
jim frei
www.stormwatergroup.com
Office: 919.661.9954
Fax: [phone]
Cell: 919.819.4229
Serving Industries, Boat Yards, and Municipalities since 1999.
1

Young, Brianna A
From: Jon lyerly <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 10:32 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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We, the people of Richmond County, NC,join along with residents of all towns near and surrounding
Hamlet, NC. I, Jonathan Lyerly of Richmond County, NC, do hereby partition DEQ to DENYthe
stormwater permit for ITD, LLC.
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Joni Marley <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 10:34 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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We, the people of Richmond County, NC, along with residents of all towns near and surrounding Hamlet,
NC. I, Joni Marley, of Richmond County, NC, do hereby partition DEQ to DENYthe stormwater permit for
ITD, LLC.
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Linda Ross <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 10:22 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] "International Tie Disposal"
Attachments: INTERNATIONAL TIE DISPOSAL 2024.docx
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Please see attachment.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope
and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Linda Ross
296 McDonald Church Road
Rockingham,NC 28379
Attention: Brianna Young
1612 Mail Service Center
Raleigh,NC 27699-1612
Re: "International Tie Disposal"
I had the opportunity to attend the hearing on March 18, 2024, at the Richmond Community College—
Cole Auditorium. I sat there and heard the concerns of the residents that lived in the Hamlet area near
the facility located at 174 Marks Creek Church Road. I Listen to the old, young, and middle age, many
sick on walkers and oxygen tanks attached to assist their breathing, pleading with the representatives
for International Tie Disposal, LLC that the new permit coverage under an NPDES stormwater permit
(NCS000613) for stormwater discharges be denied.
My Heart cried due to the fact that with all the talk it seems no one is listening. No one appears to be
concerned that there is a strong possibility of great danger to the water system in years to come and the
health of the residents that live in the area. And what about the the stormwater discharge to an
unnamed tributary(a river or stream flowing into a larger river or lake)to Mill Creek in the Lumber
River Basis. You have not identified the stream or streams that will carry this waste into the Mill Creek
in the Lumber River Basin and therefore, these streams could flow into the ponds that residents animals
drink from or young children play near and in these ponds and streams. Can you imagine the health
risk?
I vote no to the new permit coverage and the immediate stoppage of the burning of the untreated
lumber and creosote-treated railroad ties.
Considering the People
Linda S.Ross

Young, Brianna A
From: Lisa Gardner <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 8:37 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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Hello,
Thank you again for coming to Hamlet NC to listen to our concerns.
You can see we are genuinely concerned for our health and the health of our children and grandchildren.
We are not against industry,just deadly cancer causing creosote.
I am aware that if they check all the boxes they will get their permit. Please make as many restrictions
and safeguards as you possibly can to give our future generations a fighting chance.
Thank You,
Lisa M Gardner
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Regina Sizemore <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 9:06 AM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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Good morning. I'm reaching out as a daughter, mother and grandma regarding International Tie Disposal's stormwater
permit. I'm concerned about the repercussions to our future generations, including my own children and grandchild.This
has potential to adversely affect their health as well as the health of surrounding community members with the pollution
of wells, creeks, local farms and the air quality. Our county already has so many things going against us,we don't need
this adding to the growing issues. My own home is 6.8 miles from this projected site. Due to increased logging in the area
we are already seeing an increase of air pollution in our area, now we are looking at more air pollution and increased
concerns on our future generations drinking polluted water.
Please consider those of us who will be forced to live with this facility if this is approved.
Thank you for your consideration,
Regina Sizemore, RN, COHN

Young, Brianna A
From: Toni Jeffery <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 9:02 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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To whom it may concern I'm writing this letter to oppose the burning of the cross ties in Hamlet NC.
I myself don't live in direct exposure to the plant, but someone who means the world to me does! My
sister and brother in law, Kim and Allen Puckett. They live within 5 miles from the plant itself. Too close
for comfort. My sister and brother in law keep my 2 girls a lot after school during the week, ages 4 and 8.
They love playing in the yard, fishing in their pond (which I'm sure feeds off of Marks creek) and helping
them cook and taking their bath at Aunt Kim's. I hate to tell them they can't visit because of the threat of
exposure to creosote coming from the plant being so close to my family's home. Of all the places in the
world why here and why so close?The health and wellbeing of the community seem to be the last thing
on the minds of the ones that have allowed such a place to come here. I ask that the ones who are
reading this letter ask themselves, would they want such a place to be built so close to someone they
Love and would they want to risk the lives of those people. I ask you to help stop the burning from the ITD
plant in Hamlet NC!!
Sincerely,
Toni Caulder
Rockingham NC
Sent from Yahoo Mail for Whone
1

Young, Brianna A
From: Allison Story <[e-mail]>
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2024 7:42 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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I have been a resident of Richmond County my whole life. I work here, my families here, and I have built a nonprofit here
along with managing a successful business in the community.
I attended Mondays meeting and I was absolutely disgusted by the thought that our previous commissioners sold us off
for 50 jobs and a generous chunk of money from ITD. One of my biggest passions is protecting this land we have been
entrusted to take care and the last thing we need is poison being pumped into our land,water and air. Please please,
think of all of the innocent human lives this will affect, along with the protected wildlife that will be endangered or even
become extinct.
Thank you,
Allison Story
Sent from my iPhone
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Lawyer, Mike
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2024 8:52 AM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: FW: [External] ITD water permit
FYI
Michael Lawyer, CPSWQ
Stormwater Program Supervisor
Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Office: [phone] 1 Cell: [phone]
Email: mike.lawyer(cDdeg.nc.gov
512 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27604 (location)
1612 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1612 (mailing)
6 W r4Tcr.7 of[m��13 DaY/1��
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed
to third parties.
From:Ann Wheeler<[e-mail]>
Sent:Wednesday, March 20, 2024 11:02 PM
To: Lawyer, Mike<[e-mail]>
Subject: [External] ITD water permit
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Mr. Lawyer, I am sending you this email because my husband, Charles, and I were not able to attend the
meeting on March 18 at the Cole in Hamlet, NC. due to health problems.
We have lived here on Boyd Lake Road all of our lives, both of us. We have benefitted from family
employment on the railroad so we know up close and personal what this industry has already done to our
environment here in the Marks Creek community. We have heard stories of the "dirty dirt", passed down
from men who were actually involved in the dumping of those waste chemicals, that have leaked into
the ground and traveled into lakes and ponds around us. These waste basins were "monitored"just as
this new process by ITD will be and we know from experience that no amount of"monitoring" will stop
what is about to happen to those of us who live here. When you watch member after member of your
family die from cancer, ANYTHING that is a carcinogen becomes a big deal. We have suffered through
1

this horrible disease FOUR times in the past three years...sister, brother, and brother and sister-in-laws
that share no DNA, but DO share the same environment...right here less than a mile from railroad
disposal of WASTE.
We are literally begging you to not add more to this problem. We know these creosote ties must be
disposed of, but we ask that you require it to be done in a place where the water and air pollution that it
will bring will NOT directly affect our children and grandchildren who are tied to this community. Thank
you.
Charles and Ann Wheeler
Email correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties by an authorized
state official.
2

Young, Brianna A
From: Barbara Orr <[e-mail]>
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2024 5:34 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] Proposed site for tie burning in Hamlet,NC
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I am a citizen of Richmond County and live 4 miles from the proposed tie burning site location. My grandchildren live 3
miles from me. I have horses and other animals that's water source along with mine is my ground well. I strongly object
to your company burning of ties at the proposed location in Hamlet, NC risking any possibility of contamination of the
water, air, or soil in Richmond County. I hope and pray that you make the right decision in our county.
Sent from my iPhone
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Donna Growe <[e-mail]>
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2024 10:26 AM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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Dear Ms.Young,
I am a concerned citizen from Hamlet, NC. I moved here from Clearwater, Florida in 1989. As a child and
teenager, I visited my Aunt, Uncle (who worked for the railroad) and cousins every summer as this was
where my grandparents and great grandparents were originally from.
I vowed one dayto make Hamlet my home and raise my children here. I brought my husband here on
vacation and he fell in love with the area.The small town, the wonderful people here and the lifestyle was
what we wanted for our children and grandchildren.
It wasn't long that we began noticing the high incidence of cancer and breathing issues. We were always
getting notices in our waterbills about the possible carcinogens in our water which was very concerning
especially since so many people told us it was because of the toxins released by the railroad. Hamlet
water has never been fit to drink, in my opinion.
And now this ITD has quietly been in the works for a couple of years (at least) and is being placed in an
area of homes, churches and chicken houses not to mention 2 schools within 5 miles of the proposed
site!
Why has there not been a meeting with the public with these ITD people to answer questions and voice
concerns?That is what bothers me the most. If this is supposed to be so great for the community( 50
jobs)then why has it been kept so secret?There's so many unanswered questions that should have been
discussed long before these incinerators were snuck in.
Another concern of mine is on a personal level. We currently own 40 acres of land and are raising cattle.
We also have chickens and pigs.We own 3 houses and all depend on our wells for our water. My
grandchildren are growing up on our small farm and now we have to be concerned not only that our
water may be affected but also our air and our soil too.
After the public hearing on March 18 someone made the remark that all of this is a " done deal" and it was
all just to cover all bases for legal purposes. I was very surprised that none of us could ask any questions
and each speaker had 3 minutes to speak! Who was really listening and what was the purpose??
Please, please reconsider approving this permit.We don't need it and we don't want it here!
Sincerely
Donna Growe
Concerned Citizen of Hamlet, North Carolina.
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Kathryn Hinsley <katskin101 @gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2024 9:34 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External]
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International TIE Disposal
I am a resident of Hamlet, NC
and would like to request that you do not give a permit to the company at the railroad tie disposal
plant. The probability of the runoff and air quality will be greatly hazardous to our area. The runoff will
contaminate the wells and be hazardous to everyone's health.
Please give this request much consideration and help save our way of life.
Regards, Kathryn Hinsley
i

Young, Brianna A
From: EdLiWilson <EdLi Fred @protonmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2024 10:10 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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Ms. Young,
I am writing to express my great concern with the proposed site in Hamlet that will be used to burn old railroad ties.
My husband and I are the parents of three grown children and two grandchildren that all live in the area. We are
concerned for their well being.
The water in Hamlet already is of poor quality with levels of toxins that are not acceptable. We do not need anything
else additional that could even have the slightest possibility of contaminating our water supply. I have not seen
anything that would give us any reason to trust the word of the company or the government agencies that there is
absolutely no threat to our air or water in Hamlet and surrounding areas.
I know that we are not the largest community, but every human is valuable and deserves to have clean air and water
wherever they live. Please do not move forward with this facility. We really need your help to protect our
community. As a matter of fact, we could used your help in requiring our city to clean up our existing water.
Please consider finding another location that is far from people. My family and our neighbors would be so grateful to
you for helping us.
Respectfully,
Lisa and Eddie Wilson
Hamlet, NC
Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Matthew Grant <[e-mail]>
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2024 8:35 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] Hamlet NC Needs Your Help
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Mrs.Young,
Could you please find the time to look into what's going on in Hamlet, NC with the building of a cross tie disposal facility.
This place is huge and I have seen first hand that the railroads are shipping these old cross ties here from all over the east
coast of the US.
My biggest concern is the amount of carcinogens that this community will be exposed to and the health risks that our
poor community will have to endure.This is a poor community without the means to fight against something like this, I
am reaching out to anyone that might be able to help us stop this waste site from being crammed down our throats.
Anything you could do to ensure this poor community is treated fairly, would be greatly appreciated.Thank you so much
for taking the time.
North Carolina is better than this!
Best Regards,
Matthew Grant
307 Palm St.
Hamlet, NC 28345
[e-mail]
910-331-6533

Young, Brianna A
From: [e-mail]
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2024 10:14 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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I'm writing to you about the plant in Hamlet, NC. Please DO NOT grant the groundwater permit to allow
this company to empty their contaminated water into our groundwater. I live very close by this plant and
already have respiratory and other health issues! Thank you for your concern.
Nancy Stricklin
i

Young, Brianna A
From: reneanderson1981 @yahoo.com
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2024 4:08 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Cc: Lawyer, Mike
Subject: [External] Hamlet International Tie Disposal
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To whom it may concern:
I am submitting this letter as a plea to keep International Tie Disposal (ITD) out of our
hometown, Hamlet, NC. Unfortunately, it appears that this is in the final stages, as it
appears that ITD is set-up and ready for business. I hope this objection does not fall on
deaf ears. I recently heard of the creosote treated railroad ties and the association with
cancers such as lymphoma and death from sudden cardiovascular collapse when
exposed to large doses. Data also showed local (skin) and distant (lung) tumor
formation after dermal exposure to cresote (see MSDS). This is extremely concerning
given the close proximity to one of the city's main water supply and local farms. The
Hamlet water already is not safe to drink and now we are increasing the potential of
adding additional toxins to further place our neighbors at risk. What studies have been
done at other facilities to monitor for the adverse effects in those areas and has enough
time lapsed to be able to fully evaluate this? What safety measures have been
implemented to prevent absorption to the soil and water and the air pollution? I have
been a nurse for 22 years and the last 5 years I have worked as a Nurse
Practitioner. We have such high prevalence of cancer in our area that is effecting our
loved ones. I could not go without expressing my concerns knowing that we are likely
increasing adverse health risks of our citizens. Prevention is key. Please think of your
children, brothers, sisters, parents, family and friends when making this decision.
Please say no and do not allow this in our community. Work for the people and be an
advocate; I implore you to be our voice by denying this and any further permits for
operation of ITD in Hamle, N.C.
Sincerely,
Rene Anderson
502 Love Lane
Rockingham, NC 28379
910-334-2080
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Lawyer, Mike
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2024 11:23 AM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: FW: [External] International Tie Disposal
Another public comment below.
Michael Lawyer, CPSWQ
Stormwater Program Supervisor
Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Office: [phone] 1 Cell: [phone]
Email: mike.lawyer(cDdeg.nc.gov
512 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27604 (location)
1612 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1612 (mailing)
6 W r4Tcr.7 of[m��13�DaY/1���
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed
to third parties.
From: Shanda Roberson<[e-mail]>
Sent:Thursday, March 21, 2024 11:19 AM
To: Lawyer, Mike<[e-mail]>
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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Thank you so much for listening to our concerns Monday night. Throughout the hearing, many
people chose to focus on the political aspects of ITD's development in Richmond County. It's
painfully obvious that our county is polarized by a governmental "old boy's club" that uses money to
meet their needs and an overwhelming amount of poverty and ignorance. Setting all of that aside,
there are factors of concern that pertain to and can be addressed by the DEQ. These are the vicinity
of ITD's stormwater drainage to the city of Hamlet's water supply and the proven carcinogens present
on the ties that will be stored on the site and incinerated by ITD. I'll not pretend to be a scientist, but
common sense and history shows that if chemicals are put in contact with the ground, underlying
groundwater, and storm drains, that eventually they will contaminate the surrounding area. I also
realize that ITD has developed and submitted a "plan" and will require "check-ins" to try to prevent
aforementioned water contamination. Again, history and common sense combined with an "old boy's
club" mentality that serves those who stand to gain tells me that we can not sit back and simply trust
ITD and our county government to protect us. Even though I do not believe that ITD is intentionally
1

and knowingly trying to hurt us, I think that money and a perceived "plan" are clouding the common
sense approach to this matter. Before you grant this stormwater permit, I respectfully ask you to
consider the following questions: Have other places where water was contaminated by the actions of
a corporation had a plan or permit that should haveprevented the incidents? Who will be in charge
of the checks and maintenance that the permit requires? Can we trust these individuals who are
checking up on the site? Would you be comfortable with this company storing and cooking ties this
close to your home and water supply? And finally, is any suffering, disease and death worth the risk
posed by enabling ITD to set up this close to our water supply?
Email correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties by an authorized
state official.
2

Young, Brianna A
From: [e-mail]
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2024 1:11 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] ITD
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Dear Brianna,
I am writing to express my strong disapproval of the ITD plant that is planned Richmond County. As
a landowner I am deeply concerned about the potential impact on our community. I am located
outside the city limits and rely only on a private well for all my water use since county water is not an
option in my area. Please consider delaying the permit process until government can assure the
citizens of Richmond County that they will be safeguarded against the toxic waste that ITD intends to
bring to our area. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Tracy Robinson
Hamlet, NC 28345
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Lawyer, Mike
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2024 7:55 AM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: FW: [External] Permit for Hamlet, NC tie burning
Michael Lawyer, CPSWQ
Stormwater Program Supervisor
Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Office: [phone] 1 Cell: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
512 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27604(location)
1612 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1612 (mailing)
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed
to third parties.
-----Original Message-----
From: Barbara Orr<[e-mail]>
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2024 5:25 PM
To: Lawyer, Mike<[e-mail]>
Subject: [External] Permit for Hamlet, NC tie burning
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I live within 4 miles of the proposed site for the tie burning project. I am on a well water along with my horses and other
animals. My grandchildren live within 3 miles of me. I strongly object to your company coming into our rural county and
polluting the air, soil, and water. If you feel that it has no impact on the environment then please feel free to build near
your home and family. May God steer you in the right direction.
Sent from my iPhone
Email correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be
disclosed to third parties by an authorized state official.
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Beth Shepard <[e-mail]>
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2024 11:55 AM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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I am submitting this letter as a plea to keep International Tie Disposal (ITD) out of my hometown Hamlet, NC and the
county. I love no more than 6 miles from this projected job site. We as a community feel that ITD brings a major threat
to our health. Hamlets main water supple is Mark's creek, which is located just a mere 2500ft from the location of this
proposed site that will be responsible for disposing of timber contaminated with creosoe, a known carcinogen. Not only
will ITD contaminate our city water but there are two Perdue Chicken farms between 900yds and 1 mile from the ITD
site.Those two Perdue farms produce 190,000 chickens quarterly, which are produced in our Rockingham plant and
distributed throughout the states. Think of the magnitude of harm that can be caused it ITD is allowed to step up shop
at this projected job site all because Richmond County will get a little bit of kick back. Is the deterioration of our county
and the resident's health worth the small amount of money that will be received. This money would not cover the cost
of 5 Chemo treatments. Please I beg of you for once put the people's wellbeing over the everything else.
Sincerely,
Beth Shepard
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Christy Dixon <[e-mail]>
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2024 4:23 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] ITD
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To whom it may concern:
I am submitting this letter as a plea to keep International Tie Disposal (ITD) out of our
hometown, Hamlet, NC. It seems that this is in the final stages, as it appears that ITD is
set-up and ready for business. I sincerely pray this objection does not fall on deaf ears.
Upon discussion with my colleagues, it is thought that creosote treated railroad ties is
associated with cancers such as lymphoma and death from sudden cardiovascular
collapse when exposed to large doses. Data also showed local (skin) and distant (lung)
tumor formation after dermal exposure to cresote (see MSDS). This is extremely
concerning given the close proximity to one of the city's main water supply and local
farms. The Hamlet water already is not safe to drink and now we are increasing the
potential of adding additional toxins to further place our neighbors at risk. My colleagues
and myself have raised questions such as: What studies have been done at other
facilities to monitor for the adverse effects in those areas and has enough time lapsed to
be able to fully evaluate this? What safety measures have been implemented to
prevent absorption to the soil and water and the air pollution?
I have been a nurse for 21years and I have worked as a Nurse Practitioner for 13 years.
We have such high prevalence of cancer in our area that is affecting our patients and
loved ones. I could not go without expressing my concerns. Please think of your/our
children, brothers, sisters, parents, family and friends when making this decision.
Please say no and do not allow this in our community. Work for the people and be an
advocate; I implore you to be our voice by denying this and any further permits for
operation of ITD in Hamlet, N.C.
Sincerely,
Christy Dixon, ANP-BC
513 Entwistle Street
Hamlet, NC 28345
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Eric Legrand <[e-mail]>
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2024 4:11 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] Fwd: Stormwater Permit
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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Eric Legrand <legrandmanagement gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Mar 22, 2024 at 12:55 PM
Subject: Stormwater Permit
To: <BriannaYoung(q)deq.nc.gov>
Good afternoon! Thank you so much for coming to meet with the citizens of Richmond County regarding
the stormwater permit. A lot of the residents were unaware of the meeting. The Daily Journal does
not circulate everyday and everyone is not on Social Media. If known, I'm certain 75% of Richmond would
have shown up if advertised more. My dad has pastored in Hamlet for 55 years and we have witnessed
the positive growth in Hamlet.There isn't anything positive that will come from the ITD plant here in
Hamlet, NC. Why take advantage of the most vulnerable citizens?The ITD plant will decimate Hamlet
and the surrounding areas. Please take the lives of the citizens of Hamlet into consideration when
making this decision. No one should have to die for a company to operate. Jesus states in Matthew 25:40
"Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of them,you have done it unto me."Thankyou for your
time!
Humbly submitted,
Eric M. Legrand
i

Young, Brianna A
From: [e-mail]
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2024 4:21 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal, LLC Permit
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THIS LETTER STATES REASONS WHY THE ITD PERMIT SHOULD NOT BE APPROVED:
*Stormwater discharge to an "unnamed tributary"---this would be Mill Creek, Marks Creek(which is a primary water
source for the city of Dobbins Heights, NC and Hamlet, NC and the rest of Richmond County and is a contributing source
for the Lumber River Basin.
* Location is right next to the Sandhills State Gameland which is the home of many threatened and endangered species--
-Red-cockaded Woodpecker.
*Three SCHOOLS ARE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY to the site: (less then 10 miles away) Monroe Ave. Elementary School, 9th
Grade Academy and Richmond Senior High School---this will affect the air quality around these three schools on a daily
basis where our children learn and play. Not to mention the air around where these same children live.
*Why are we allowing a company into our community to do something that we as citizens CAN NOT do because it is
against the law to burn cross ties?We all know that it is ILLEGAL for a citizen to burn cross ties due to the chemicals
released into the air and ground. So why would North Carolina allow a company to come in and do the very thing that
pollutes the air and water.
* WHOSE WATCHING THE WATCHERS? When there is a violation or major exposure---is this plant responsible for
reporting their own violations?We clearly know that will not work and the report will be well after the violation has
passed thus allowing contamination to continue.
* It is my understanding that the plant is ALREADY UP AND RUNNING ON A DAILY BASIS---what are they doing to protect
the ground water and aquifers that run along this area? I have heard from others that live near the facility that they are
already piling cross ties under the tree line and burning in the kilns without any ground protection for run-off.
I personally do not want our community to become a dumping ground for this type of industry.Thank you in advance for
listening to all of our concerns and considering them in your final decision to DENY THIS PERMIT.
Respectfully Submitted,Halena and Joseph Brown Sr
i

Young, Brianna A
From: Margie Dowless <[e-mail]>
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2024 8:48 AM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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This request is in regards to a proposed company plant in Richmond County, Hamlet, NC. The purpose of this plant is to
dispose of railroad ties in ways that would adversely affect the air and water quality in the area. The adverse
environmental conditions were presented at the recent public meeting.
The families in this area have worked hard to own and maintain their properties. They are raising and educating their
children in the area and deserve to have a safe environment.
Please consider refusing the groundwater permit request for the protection of their environment.
Thank you,
Marjorie Dowless
Sent from my iPhone
i

Young, Brianna A
From: William Ferguson <[e-mail]>
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2024 4:25 PM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
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Subject: Submission of Concerns Regarding Proposed Storage of Cross Ties in Hamlet, NC
Dear Ms Brianna Young,
I am writing to express my concerns about the proposed storage of 500,000 cross ties in Hamlet, NC,
and its potential impact on Richmond County, particularly regarding the threat posed by invasive
species, notably the Formosan termite.
As a resident of Richmond County, a U.S. Air Force Veteran with 27 years of Pest Control Experience,
and a small business owner in the pest control industry, I am deeply troubled by the potential risks
associated with the proposed facility. I had the opportunity to attend the public forum on March 18,
2024, where many concerns were raised, but unfortunately, little dialogue or reassurance was
provided by ITD, county commissioners, or the county manager.
One crucial issue that I believe requires immediate attention is the threat of invasive species,
particularly the Formosan termite. This invasive, non native, subterranean termite has already caused
significant damage in various parts of the United States, including neighboring states such as South
Carolina. The Formosan termite's ability to infest and feed on wooden structures poses a severe
threat to our local infrastructure, economy, and environment.
It has been proven through vast scientific research that this species is almost always introduced to
new areas through railroad ties. (please see links below for specific data.) Storing such a large
quantity of old ties in one small county will undoubtedly bring invasive species into our community.
The ties serve as ideal habitats for pests like the Formosan termite to establish colonies and spread
to nearby structures and vegetation.
The widespread distribution of Formosan termites across multiple states in railroad ties, including
Brunswick County, North Carolina, highlights the urgency of addressing this issue. It is well-
documented that Formosan termites have been transported to new areas through the movement of
wood packing materials, wood mulch, and old railroad ties. These materials serve as vectors for the
spread of Formosan termites, allowing them to establish colonies and infest adjacent structures.
Formosan termites can infest live, healthy trees. Many trees die from the inside out, leaving a cavity
where termites can move in and build their nest. This poses a significant risk to our local ecosystem,
as healthy trees play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, providing habitat for wildlife, and
improving air quality.
Once established, Formosan subterranean termite has never been eradicated from an area. In the city
of New Orleans, where this termite species was introduced in the 1950s, the control and repair costs
due to Formosan Subterranean Termite is estimated at $300 million annually (Suszkiw 1998).
Given the potential risks associated with the proposed storage of cross ties in Hamlet, NC, I strongly
urge decision-makers to consider the following actions:
i

• Conduct a thorough risk assessment to evaluate the potential impact of storing cross
• ties on local ecosystems, infrastructure, and public health, with specific attention to the threat
of Formosan termites.
• Engage with experts in invasive species management, including entomologists, NC State
• College of Natural Resource, NC Dept of Agriculture Pesticide Division, and North Carolina
Pest Management Assosiation, to develop a proactive plan for monitoring, preventing, and
managing the introduction of Formosan termites and other invasive species associated
• with the storage of cross ties.
• Explore alternative storage options or mitigation measures to minimize the risk of introducing
• Formosan termites and other invasive species into Richmond County.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in all decision-making processes related to the
• proposed storage facility, involving community stakeholders and addressing public concerns.
It is essential to recognize the potential consequences of introducing invasive species known to
primarily migrate through railroad ties like the Formosan termite into our community and take
proactive measures to mitigate these risks. I implore decision-makers to prioritize the protection of
our environment, economy, and public health in their deliberations on this matter.
Thank you for considering my concerns. I trust that you will take appropriate action to address the
threat posed by invasive species and safeguard the well-being of Richmond County residents.
Links and resources
University of Florida Formosan Information.
NC State Formosan Termite Info
https://nota.gov/mosquito/documents/termite-info-summary/
Formosan DNA all link to Railroad Ties
William Ferguson
Ferguson Pest and Home, LLC
910 921 0505
2

Young, Brianna A
From: Shanda Roberson <[e-mail]>
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2024 11:18 AM
To: Young, Brianna A
Subject: [External] International Tie Disposal
IYou don't often get email from [e-mail]. Learn why this is important
CAUTION: External email. Do not click links or open attachments unless verified. Report suspicious emails with the Report Message
button located on your Outlook menu bar on the Home tab.
Thank you so much for listening to our concerns Monday night. Throughout the hearing, many
people chose to focus on the political aspects of ITD's development in Richmond County. It's
painfully obvious that our county is polarized by a governmental "old boy's club" that uses money to
meet their needs and an overwhelming amount of poverty and ignorance. Setting all of that aside,
there are factors of concern that pertain to and can be addressed by the DEQ. These are the vicinity
of ITD's stormwater drainage to the city of Hamlet's water supply and the proven carcinogens present
on the ties that will be stored on the site and incinerated by ITD. I'll not pretend to be a scientist, but
common sense and history shows that if chemicals are put in contact with the ground, underlying
groundwater, and storm drains, that eventually they will contaminate the surrounding area. I also
realize that ITD has developed and submitted a "plan" and will require "check-ins" to try to prevent
aforementioned water contamination. Again, history and common sense combined with an "old boy's
club" mentality that serves those who stand to gain tells me that we can not sit back and simply trust
ITD and our county government to protect us. Even though I do not believe that ITD is intentionally
and knowingly trying to hurt us, I think that money and a perceived "plan" are clouding the common
sense approach to this matter. Before you grant this stormwater permit, I respectfully ask you to
consider the following questions: Have other places where water was contaminated by the actions of
a corporation had a plan or permit that should haveprevented the incidents? Who will be in charge
of the checks and maintenance that the permit requires? Can we trust these individuals who are
checking up on the site? Would you be comfortable with this company storing and cooking ties this
close to your home and water supply? And finally, is any suffering, disease and death worth the risk
posed by enabling ITD to set up this close to our water supply?
1

To: Brianna R���1v
Subject: DISAPPROVAL OF ITD PLANT in Richmond County
Dear Brianna,
I am writing to express my strong disapproval of the ITD plan that is being proposed for the Richmond
County plant. I am deeply concerned about the potential impact impact on our community, with
potential of severe consequences for out community.
ITD's application for a permit to discharge waste from the incinerators into an "unknown" tributary of
the Lumber River basin is particularly troubling.The lack of transparency regarding this tributary
raises serious questions about the potential risks to our environment and health.
Furthermore, I recently learned from the Southern Environmental Law Center that North Carolina
legislators have voted to remove restrictions of toxic waste disposal into wetlands. This decisions puts
us in a precarious position,-as we now face a battle against ITD-to hold-them accountable for any
damage they may cause to our property and the surrounding areas.
I urge you to take immediate action to halt this permitting process until we receive adequate assurances
from our government that our community will be safeguarded against to toxic waste that ITD intends to
bring to our region.
Thank you for you attention to this matter. I trust that you will consider the well—being of our
community and act in our best interests.

To: Brianna j E Q
Subject: DISAPPROVAL OF ITD PLANT in Richmond County ""'f w
►BAR 2 7 202�
Dear Brianna,
1 am writing to express my strong disapproval of the ITD plan that is being proposed for the Richmond
County plant. I am deeply concerned about the potential impact impact on our community, with
potential of severe consequences for out community.
ITD's application for a permit to discharge waste from the incinerators into an "unknown" tributary of
the Lumber River basin is particularly troubling. The lack of transparency regarding this tributary
raises serious questions about the potential risks to our environment and health.
Furthermore, I recently learned from the Southern Environmental Law Center that North Carolina
legislators have voted to remove restrictions of toxic waste disposal into wetlands. This decisions puts
us in a precarious position, as we now face a battle against ITD to hold them accountable for any
damage they may cause to our property and the surrounding areas.
I urge you to take immediate action to halt this permitting process until we receive adequate assurances
from our government that our community will be safeguarded against to toxic waste that ITD intends to
bring to our region.
Thank you for you attention to this matter. I trust that you will consider the well—being of our
community and act in our best interests.

To: Brianna
ECE-I VED
Subject: DISAPPROVAL OF ITD PLANT in Richmond County MAR 18 2024
Dear Brianna,
I am writing to express my strong disapproval of the ITD plan that is being proposed for the Richmond
County plant. I am deeply concerned about the potential impact impact on our community, with
potential of severe consequences for out community.
ITD's application for a permit to discharge waste from the incinerators into an "unknown" tributary of
the Lumber River basin is particularly troubling.The lack of transparency regarding this tributary
raises serious questions about the potential risks to our environment and health.
Furthermore, I recently learned from the Southern Environmental Law Center that North Carolina
legislators have voted to remove restrictions of toxic waste disposal into wetlands. This decisions puts
us in a precarious position, as we now face a battle against ITD to hold them accountable for any
damage they may cause to our property and the surrounding areas.
I urge you to take immediate action to halt this permitting process until we receive adequate assurances
from our government that our community will be safeguarded against to toxic waste that ITD intends to
bring to our region.
Thank you for you attention to this matter. I trust that you will consider the well—being of our
community and act in our best interests.
Erne Carter ,
204 Fellowship/Drive
Hamlet, N.0 28345

RECEIVED
To: Brianna
Subject: DISAPPROVAL OF ITD PLANT in Richmond County MAR 2 8 2024
Dear Brianna,
I am writing to express my strong disapproval of the ITD plan that is being proposed for the Richmond
County plant. I am deeply concerned about the potential impact impact on our community, with
potential of severe consequences for out community.
ITD's application for a permit to discharge waste from the incinerators into an "unknown" tributary of
the Lumber River basin is particularly troubling.The lack of transparency regarding this tributary
raises serious questions about the potential risks to our environment and health.
Furthermore, I recently learned from the Southern Environmental Law Center that North Carolina
legislators have voted to remove restrictions of toxic waste disposal into wetlands. This decisions puts
us in a precarious position, as we now face a battle against ITD to hold them accountable for any
damage they may cause to our property and the surrounding areas.
I urge you to take immediate action to halt this permitting process until we receive adequate assurances
from our government that our community will be safeguarded against to toxic waste that ITD intends to
bring to our region.
Thank you for you attention to this matter. I trust that you will consider the well—being of our
community and act in our best interests.
ee Grzybawski
2 4 Entwistle St.
Hamlet, N.0 28345