Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mining Blasting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident alleges Rogers Group blasting has caused dust, sinkholes and water risks
Summary
A Muscle Shoals-area homeowner told an ADEM public hearing that recent blasting by Rogers Group has caused dust clouds, rock fall, sinkholes and may be affecting wells and the local water table; the department will respond to comments in writing.
Michael Moss, identified at the start of the hearing by the chair, urged the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to investigate blasting he attributed to Rogers Group near his neighborhood.
"They started opening a new blast... we're shooting from the top of the ground, and we're experiencing everything," Moss said, linking recent activity to dust storms, rock on roofs and what he described as sinkholes. He said he brought video footage and warned that property values could fall sharply, describing "a 400 plus thousand dollar house... worth less than $200" after the work. Moss said wells are drying and asked the department to send someone to inspect the site.
ADEM staff did not answer questions at the hearing but told attendees that oral remarks and any materials submitted would be included in the agency's written response to comments. The hearing record will be used in the department's permit decision and in replies to the concerns raised.
The commenter raised multiple concerns that would typically be examined in permit review and compliance monitoring: dust and air quality, rock fall and property damage, ground cracking or sinkhole formation, and potential effects on the local water table and private wells. The hearing transcript records no immediate technical response from staff on-site; ADEM's formal response to submitted comments will be the next public record of the agency's findings or planned follow-up.
