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Residents urge county to oppose quarry permitting near Blue Mountain — groundwater and recharge zone concerns raised
Summary
Multiple residents urged Walker County officials to oppose a proposed limestone quarry (proposed by John Cross) that they say intends to mine below the water table; commenters cited independent geological studies, possible turbidity impacts on municipal water supplies, and requested board advocacy with the Georgia EPD.
Several residents used public comment at the Walker County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 20 to urge the board to take a stand against a proposed limestone quarry project they said would excavate 70–75 feet below the water table and jeopardize groundwater quality and municipal wellfields.
Why it matters: Commenters said the quarry sits on a carbonate (karst) aquifer with fractures, caves and sinkholes and that coring and mining could increase turbidity and contaminate wells serving municipal treatment plants. They asked the board to advocate with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and to consider the regional water‑supply impacts during state permitting.
What residents said - Ted Needham (resident near proposed site) said two independent geological studies show the quarry would mine 70–75 feet below the water table and put the site in the highest groundwater pollution risk category. He said both Lee School Road and Dickerson Springs treatment plants would fall within the protective radius noted under state law and that coring 2.5 miles from a treatment plant could increase turbidity and force shutdowns or boil‑water advisories. - Dan Waters (Blue Mountain Airpark resident) and other neighbors said the quarry would permanently alter a scenic ridgeline and raised long‑term concerns about water during a sustained drought.
Requests and next steps urged by commenters - Residents asked the county to review independent reports, engage with the Georgia EPD, and oppose permits that would allow mining below the water table or otherwise threaten municipal water supplies. - Commenters asked the board to ensure local water authorities and state regulators consider recharge zones and the proximity of municipal wells as part of permit review.
Board response: The board did not indicate a formal position during public comment; the record shows residents asked for the board’s advocacy with EPD and urged heightened scrutiny of any permit allowing mining below the water table.
Ending: Residents asked neighbors and officials to review the independent studies and urged elected officials to act to protect drinking water; the transcript records requests for advocacy but no formal county motion on the matter during this meeting.
