20240705 Ver 1_Public Notice Comments_20240621

Version
ID#* 1
20240705 Number only.
Project Name*
Southerland Mills
First Name Last Name
Hemingway
Affiliation (if applicable)
Phone Number
9198795771
Email*
[e-mail]
*** The intent for collecting an email address is to allow us send you a receipt for submittal of this comment.
Please pick the response below that represents your stance on the above mentioned project? *
Yes - I agree with the project. No - I do not agree with the project.

Comment
To Whom It May Concern in NC Water Resources,
None of the residents on Riverstone were given any notice as to what was being planned for this heavily wooded
300 acre wildlife area that is bordering the stream which parralels the street (and widens and continues on to
drain into the Neuse River). We would like the opportunity for information, discussion and hopefully some
correction of certain things that are to take place.
The stream behind Riverstone is a Perrenial, blue -line stream which should be afforded at least a 100-foot
Riparian buffer, according to written documents accessed by the Neuse Riverkeeper. The banks of this stream
have already suffered from natural erosion over the 25+ years that my husband has lived here.
The creek banks opposite the stream have already suffered significant impact. Dozens of trees have been
destroyed with a road being carved well within 100 feet of the stream. Even with the proposed "silt fencing"
installed we are aware of & are concerned about the discharge of soil and contaminants into the creek bed and
water. Broken branches and debris have already been left to sit in the middle of the creek, as the destruction on
the bank continues. And rock boulders dumped down the hill, to sit on the ground beside the water.
Furthermore, many of us maintain wells for ALL of our water supply. The wells in this area are shallow (one
neighbour's was just assessed at only 90 feet). Our well pump is located in the backyard, right near the slope of
our creek bank. This is a huge concern when thinking of soil and contaminants draining and/or leaching into the
ground from temporary construction silt basins and drainage ditches as well as permanent stormwater ponds!
This proposed development area is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, fox, owls, box turtles, etc. The
deer consistently follow the path of the stream every day and use it for both shelter and water supply. We
understand that "development" at times is necessary, but could we not do it in a responsible way? The planning
and zoning director mentioned that this decelopment was to maintain a certain percentage of trees as well as a
BUFFER BETWEEN EXISTING HOUSES/NEIGHBOURHOODS!
We assumed that any development would begin well beyond the other side of the creekbank. Is there not room
on 300 acres, to leave a larger swath of greenspace than a mere 30-50 feet, from a creek and an existing
neighbourhood? Could we not work with the developer to maybe altee the position of the silt basins and
especially the permanent stormwater ponds, so that both the creek water and our drinking water is not affected?
Riverstone Drive and the creek are just one border to the development area. There are the huge borders of
Southerland road to work with, which do not butt up against wetland areas!!
We do not believe that any construction should have begun (without proper notice and meetings regarding the
actual development) OR before this permit had even been decided upon or issued!
We urge you to seriously consider these water & environmental impacts and to investigate the site in person. It is
not something that can be fully understood with mere pictures or words. And we implore you to take the
necessary actions to preserve the integrity of our stream and it's fragile banks, the quality of our well water, the
needs of the animal inhabitants and the peace of our existing human residents and neighbourhood.
Thank you for your time & attention,
Janet Hemingway
& concerned Residents of Riverstone Drive
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