🚨 Take Action: Stop the Illegal Quarry Operation Threatening Poplar and the Nolichucky
- Nolichucky Outdoor Recreation Association
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
The Nolichucky River community is under threat from Horizon 30 LLC, an out-of-state company that has been operating an illegal quarry near Poplar, NC — without permits, without proper oversight, and without respect for our environment or community.
Despite being ordered to cease operations on three separate occasions by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), this company has continued mining operations in clear violation of the North Carolina Mining Act of 1971.
Now, Horizon 30 LLC is applying for a retroactive mining permit to cover up months of unpermitted activity — and it’s time for the public to demand accountability.
📢 Public Hearing Details
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025🕕 Time: 6:00 PM (Speaker signup starts at 5:30 PM)📍 Location: Former Bowman Middle School Auditorium, 410 S. Mitchell St., Bakersville, NC 28705
We urge all community members, river users, and conservation advocates to attend in person and submit written comments.
📝 How to Submit Your Public Comment
✅ Email: ncminingprogram@deq.nc.gov
📬 Mail:Kelly Jonas, Assistant State Mining EngineerNC Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources1612 Mail Service CenterRaleigh, NC 27699
Subject line: Horizon 30
🗓️ Deadline: You can submit comments through 10 days after the July 29 public hearing, but it’s best to send them as soon as possible.
⚠️ Why This Matters
Horizon 30 LLC has:
Violated NC law by mining without permits
Ignored multiple cease orders from NCDEQ
Threatened water quality and wildlife in the French Broad River Basin
Created safety risks near public infrastructure
Put our public recreation areas at risk
Drone footage (search YouTube for “Designs in Orbit”) shows the unregulated destruction happening right now.
📄 Public Comment Template – Customize Before Sending!
💡 Important: NCDEQ may count duplicate comments as one.
Please customize your message by adding personal experiences, your connection to the river, or concerns specific to you and your community.
Subject: Public Comment Opposing Horizon 30 LLC Mining Permit #61-22
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to oppose the issuance of Mining Permit #61-22 to Horizon 30 LLC for the quarry located off Hwy 197 near Poplar, NC. I urge the Department to deny this permit based on the following legal grounds under the North Carolina Mining Act of 1971 (NCGS §74-51):
1. Chronic Non-Compliance and Permit Violations (Criteria 1 & 7):Horizon 30 LLC has repeatedly mined without a permit despite formal cease orders issued on March 7, May 6, and June 5, 2025. Continuing mining without approval demonstrates disregard for the law and lack of substantial compliance, justifying denial.
2. Risks to Water Quality and Wildlife (Criteria 2 & 3):Ongoing land disturbances without proper erosion control threaten nearby freshwater resources, including streams in the Nolichucky and greater French Broad River Basin. This risks potable groundwater, aquatic life, and violates environmental quality standards.
3. Public Safety Hazards (Criterion 4):This unpermitted operation directly threatens nearby public infrastructure, including the CSX rail construction zone and surrounding roads, creating unacceptable physical hazards.
4. Adverse Impacts on Recreational and Natural Resources (Criterion 5):The quarry site is near public recreation areas cherished by local residents. Continued degradation undermines the intended use of these public spaces.
5. History of Environmental Damage (Criterion 6):Documented continued mining during active violations shows substantial potential for erosion, sedimentation, and environmental harm.
Based on these facts and multiple violations under the Mining Act of 1971, the permit should be denied and full site reclamation enforced.
Thank you for protecting North Carolina’s environment and communities from illegal and harmful mining activities.
Thank you for your time and commitment to protecting North Carolina’s natural resources.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Hometown]
[Optional: Personal story or connection to the area]
🌊 Stand with NORA, Stand with the Nolichucky
This is a moment where our voices matter. Let’s make sure that North Carolina’s environmental laws are enforced and that illegal actions have real consequences.
📌 Take action today by submitting your comment and making plans to attend the public hearing on July 29.📌 Share this with your friends, neighbors, and fellow river users.
Together, we can defend the Nolichucky and ensure that corporate violators do not profit from the destruction of our watershed.
💻 For more information, visit: www.nolichucky.org
📧 Contact NORA: info@nolichucky.org
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