Mitchell County commissioners back residents, point to state injunction as unpermitted Poplar quarry draws protests

The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners acknowledged public concerns about an unpermitted quarry operating near Poplar and said the state Department of Environmental Quality has filed a civil action seeking court orders to stop the activity.

"The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners is aware of concerns regarding an unpermitted mine in the county and does not support illegally operated quarries," County Manager Alan said in a prepared statement read at the meeting.

The statement followed nearly two hours of public comment in which residents described continuous blasting, heavy truck traffic, thick dust on homes and yards, and increased wildlife activity near the site. County Attorney Ford told the meeting that DEQ filed a civil action on July 21 and has sought a preliminary injunction; a hearing is scheduled the week of Aug. 11 in Boone.

Why it matters: Residents and local officials said the quarry’s operation is affecting property, health and public recreation along waterways in western Mitchell County. Several speakers urged the commissioners to press…