Judge Orders Immediate Halt to Illegal Mining at Poplar Quarry

A North Carolina judge has issued an injunction to stop illegal mining operations at a riverside quarry in Poplar, NC.

On Monday, August 11, 2025, the fight to protect the Nolichucky River saw a significant development when a Watauga County Superior Court judge ordered Horizon 30 LLC to immediately cease all mining operations at its unpermitted quarry site near Poplar, NC.

This decision comes after months of public outcry, NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) investigations, and a formal complaint filed by the North Carolina Department of Justice (NC DOJ) on behalf of the state.

The Court’s Ruling

The judge’s order was clear:

• All mining activities must stop immediately.

• No more material can be moved off the site under any circumstances.

• A remediation plan must be submitted to NCDEQ within 30 days.

• If the defendant is found to violate this order, civil and criminal penalties can and will be applied.

This ruling is an important legal win for river advocates and community members who have worked tirelessly to bring attention to this unlawful operation.

Conflicting Accounts and Ongoing Concerns

During Monday’s hearing, the defendant’s representatives claimed that mining had stopped on Saturday. However, NORA members observed mining activities on Sunday, and reports from Poplar indicate that materials are still being collected and moved today.

These reports are deeply concerning and, if confirmed, would be a direct violation of the judge’s order—potentially triggering further legal consequences.

Community Action Needed

We urge all residents, paddlers, anglers, and visitors to remain vigilant. If you witness any mining activity or material being removed from the quarry site:

📷 Document it with date- and timestamped photos or video

📧 Email evidence to: info@nolichucky.org

Your reports will help ensure the court’s order is enforced and that our river is protected.

A Community Effort

This outcome is the direct result of a united, watershed-wide effort:

• Public comment hearings with NCDEQ

• Community testimony at the Mitchell County Commission meeting

• Collaborative advocacy from Concerned local citizens, NORA, MountainTrue, French Broad Riverkeeper, Southern Environmental Law Center and many others.

Together, we’ve shown that when the Nolichucky is threatened, our community stands up.

The Work Ahead

While the legal order is a milestone, the long-term protection of the Nolichucky will require:

• Ensuring Horizon 30 complies with the order

• Overseeing the development and implementation of the remediation plan

• Continuing community cleanup, restoration, and monitoring efforts

NORA remains committed to working with our partners, state agencies, and local residents to safeguard the river for future generations.

💧 Stay informed: www.nolichucky.org

🛶 Report violations: info@nolichucky.org

🌿 Support our work: Donate here on our website