The Nolichucky River Gorge, spanning North Carolina and Tennessee, is at the center of environmental and legal concerns due to emergency repairs on a CSX rail line damaged by Hurricane Helene in September. This rail line is crucial for transporting freight but passes through an ecologically sensitive area, home to the critically endangered Appalachian elktoe mussel.
- Repair Work and Environmental Concerns:
- CSX is using heavy machinery, mining river rock, and altering the riverbed to rebuild the rail line.
- Environmental groups argue this work threatens endangered species and violates federal laws like the Clean Water Act.
- Lawsuit Filed:
- Non-profits, led by the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), have sued CSX and federal agencies for allegedly bypassing environmental protections.
- They seek a halt to the repairs until proper permits and environmentally responsible methods are in place.
- Response from CSX and Agencies:
- CSX claims it is collaborating with federal and state agencies to ensure safe, environmentally sensitive repairs.
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) acknowledges ongoing coordination but admits potential gaps in compliance with permitting laws.
- Concerns from Local Communities:
- Whitewater rafting guides and environmentalists, like Patrick Mannion, are documenting the impact on the river. They emphasize the importance of balancing the rail rebuild with protecting the river’s unique ecosystem.
While CSX and federal agencies aim to restore a critical freight route, environmental groups and locals demand more sustainable repair practices to preserve the river’s natural and economic value. The lawsuit could temporarily halt the project if emergency work is deemed unlawful.
