Public hearing draws concerns over proposed Martin Marietta quarry expansion in New Hanover County
ROCKY POINT, NC (WWAY) — More than 50 residents and environmental advocates packed a public hearing Tuesday evening to voice concerns over a proposed expansion of the Martin Marietta limestone quarry in northern New Hanover County. This project could impact more than 140 acres of wetlands and nearly 10 acres of open water.
The hearing, hosted by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), focused on a Clean Water Act permit application submitted by Martin Marietta Materials as part of its proposal to expand quarry operations by more than 140 acres.
Josh Kastrinsky, with NCDEQ, said the company is seeking the expansion to help meet growing demand for construction materials in the region.
“The application is largely due to the need from the applicant to expand operations for additional building needs in this region,” Kastrinsky said.
The proposed expansion would affect wetlands and open water areas near the quarry, including portions of the Northeast Cape Fear River and Island Creek.
Jessica Hardee, an associate attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, said those waterways play an important role in maintaining water quality and supporting wildlife.
“The Northeast Cape Fear and then Island Creek, both of these have really important water quality standards that they are supposed to meet, including their importance for aquatic life propagation, habitat, for recreation,” Hardee said.
More than a dozen people spoke during the hearing, raising concerns about potential impacts to water quality and future drinking water resources.
Andy Wood, director of the conservation group Coastal Plain Conservation Group, said he was not surprised by Martin Marietta’s proposal, given the region’s rapid growth,
“We’re growing rapidly, and Martin Marietta has an existence here and it’s inevitable that they’re going to want to expand,” Wood said.
Wood said he was pleased to see so many residents attend the hearing.
“What’s very heartening is hearing the fact-based information being delivered by citizens of this community,” Wood said. “This isn’t just emotion. What is being delivered to the state tonight are points of fact regarding water quality issues and future water source issues.”
NCDEQ officials said public comments submitted during the hearing and through the public comment period will be considered before a decision is made on the permit application. Kastrinsky said there is no set timeline for when the department will reach a decision.
Tuesday’s meeting is the only public hearing NCDEQ plans to hold on the proposal. Written public comments will be accepted through Aug. 13.
According to NCDEQ, no representatives from Martin Marietta attended Tuesday’s hearing. A request for comment from the company regarding the proposal and the public hearing was not immediately returned.
