Residents say proposed Burnt Pine clay‑shooting expansion risks safety, noise and groundwater contamination

Multiple residents told the Jasper County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 6 that a planned expansion at Burnt Pine Plantation to include large-scale clay shooting would harm public safety, quiet rural neighborhoods and threaten groundwater.

Dayle Becker said the shooting is “non-stop” and that her property, which backs to Old Broughton Road, is repeatedly disrupted by gunfire. “You would think there's a war going on,” she said, describing frequent daytime discharges that prevent normal backyard use.

Alison Hildebrant, who lives across from the property in Morgan County, told commissioners she has seen unsafe shooting behavior and warned of broader risks: “Residents have already witnessed unsafe shooting behavior, including firearms being discharged towards Reese Road, at birds overhead, and even gun spray falling onto private property,” she said, adding that repeated firing could spread lead fragments into soil and groundwater for well users.

Gary Becker said he believed the owner and the permitting process failed to engage nearby residents before seeking use changes and raised concerns that narrow county roads could not safely handle the traffic the applicant envisions — residents said the applicant has discussed events of up to 800 attendees on some weekends.

Commissioners acknowledged the complaints and said the project will require review under the county’s permitting process and coordination with neighboring jurisdictions and state regulators as appropriate. No permit decision was made at the meeting.

Why it matters The proposal crosses jurisdictional and environmental lines: Burnt Pine spans Morgan and Jasper counties and sits under a residential airport flight path, amplifying safety questions raised by residents. Many nearby households rely on private wells; residents warned that lead and other residues from a high-volume shooting range could be difficult and costly to remediate.

What residents want Speakers asked for earlier community engagement, professional environmental review and clearer traffic and safety plans for any expanded shooting use. Commissioners agreed further investigation and interagency coordination are needed before any formal approvals would proceed.

What’s next No vote was taken. Commissioners scheduled follow-up work sessions on several agenda topics and deferred decisions where applicable. Residents seeking formal limits or conditions will need to participate in any subsequent permitting hearings.