Blackwater’s NC neighbors seek firing range buffer

MOYOCK, N.C. — Residents living near firing ranges operated by Blackwater Worldwide in northeastern North Carolina says they want a mile-wide buffer to protect them.

The Virginian-Pilot reported Friday that the neighbors in a Currituck County subdivision asked the county to require the buffer to keep driving tracks as well as firing ranges from being built closer to them.

The county’s planning director said Blackwater had asked that the facilities mistakenly built over the county line several years ago be allowed to remain. Director Ben Woody also said the private security contractor agreed to the mile-wide buffer.

The county planning board will consider the Blackwater request Nov. 10.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)