The public spoke out against a proposed rock quarry by Jones Brothers Contractors, LLC, in the Liberty area last Tuesday, December 17, at a public hearing over the issuance of water discharge permit by the state. Those speaking against the quarry included several local citizens, and one county commissioner. The public hearing was held at the County Complex by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Division of Mineral and Geologic Resources.

First district commissioner Tom Chandler spoke up at the meeting saying, “I represent District one where this quarry would be located. The county commission has passed the county powers act in this county and we have also passed a resolution that requires anyone wanting to operate a quarry in this county to come forward to the county and ask for a permit to do so. There is a process for that and a committee for reviewing it, and I would ask that you not issue any kind of permit to Jones Brothers until they have responded to that requirement,” said Chandler.

“They [Jones Brothers] have been sent a letter, by the attorney for the county, informing them of the fact that the County Powers Act has been passed and that they must come and ask for a permit. As far as I know, unless it has occurred within the last 24 hours, they have not responded to that letter. Again, I would ask that you not issue any kind of permit until they have responded to the county,” said Chandler.

The hearing was basically a comment only session where local residents could have their voices heard over the proposed quarry. This reporter, having land adjacent to the proposed quarry, also spoke out, pointing out several issues with the site.

In a letter sent to the Tennessee Department of Environment, it was pointed out that, “To the northwest of the proposed ‘Processing Area’ you have this portion indicated as a stream. It is in fact a wash, or may be considered a wet weather stream, and not a continual year-round running stream. The actual spring, or headwater, of what is known as Willoughby Creek, is from a spring that comes out of a small rocked off cavern that emanates from approximately the middle of the proposed ‘Processing Area’ and the general direction of the quarry itself. I would contend that the quarry would reduce, if not eliminate, that spring and in turn destroy the downstream creek if allowed in that area.”

“I have also pointed out two other wet weather springs that flow into Willoughby Creek that were not indicated by their map, one inside the overburden boundaries. How will the outflow of these affect the stream?”

“In addition, I have pointed out another wash south of quarry basin 1 that was not indicated on the map. There is a tremendous amount of water that flows from that hill in the rainy season, which has cut deep ruts into the wash. How would this effect affect the proposed basin, and overflow into Willoughby Creek?”

“At the proposed location of ‘Basin 2’ is the location of what I have always been told was an unmarked slave cemetery. This farm was purchased by my great-grandfather, then handed down to my grandfather, then my mother. My grandfather always told me that that area was where a slave cemetery was located, and he believed it enough that he would never turn dirt in that area. He always only cut hay and used it as grazing land.”

“Many of the surrounding homes and properties utilized the waters that emanate from this property, using the water for home use as well as for livestock. How can we be assured that this proposed quarry will not contaminate or destroy that water supply altogether?”

“Finally, the proposed Jones Brothers Quarry does not meet the requirements under the County Powers Act of DeKalb County, Tennessee, which states, ‘No quarry, rock crusher or gravel pit, cryptocurrency mine, landfill, adult entertainment, or methadone clinic may be located within 5,000 feet of a residence, school, licensed daycare facility, park, recreation center, church, retail, commercial, professional, or industrial establishment. Measurements shall be taken from the nearest recorded property line of the business to the nearest property line or boundary of the foregoing.’”

“No person shall operate a quarry, rock crusher, gravel pit, cryptocurrency mining, landfills, adult entertainment and methadone clinic without first obtaining the from the County Clerk of DeKalb County a standard business license and a permit for the operation of a quarry, rock crusher or gravel pit, cryptocurrency mine, landfill, adult entertainment or methadone clinic.”

“All state and or federal permits required and necessary to operate such an enterprise of activity shall be a prerequisite before obtaining an initial permit or business license to operate from the County Clerk.”

“An applicant for a license shall furnish to the County Clerk an application for a business license or permit to operate, a copy of the permit issued by the State of Tennessee in the proposed site, a copy of the applicant’s deed or lease to the property on which the operation is proposed, a map which shows the physical extent of the operation as to the area and depth, along with a description of activities to be conducted on the property, and a non-refundable application fee of $150.”

Carey Watson, another adjoining property owner, spoke during the hearing, saying, “I am going under the assumption that this permit will probably be approved anyway unless you find something new,” said Watson.

“The other problem I have is that Jones is going to self-monitor. Reports are doctored all the time with all these companies. I know that from my business experience over the years. I have seen that happen. That’s the fox guarding the hen house. How is that supposed to work? That doesn’t make any sense,” said Watson.

Another resident, Krysta Eickmann expressed concerns about area springs and well water possibly being at risk. “These people live very close to where this quarry is proposed to be and once that blasting damage is done it cannot be undone.”

Robert Becker, Regional Director of External Affairs with the Mining Section of TDEC’s Division of Mineral and Geologic Resources told those in attendance that a final decision on approval of the permit application is not expected until January or February.

Written comments related to the NPDES permit are still being accepted by the TDEC until December 27, 2024. Comments should be emailed to DMGR.PublicNotice@tn.gov or by mail to the TDEC Mining Section at 3711 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37921.