The Mitchell County Democratic Party (MCDP) has requested the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) to deny Permit 61-22 for Horizon 30, LLC. The MCDP letter was sent to NCDEQ Secretary D. Reid Wilson about Permit 61-22 which relates to the illegal mining project occurring in Poplar, NC along the Nolichucky River.
According to the letter signed by MCDP Chair Eddie Gouge, “it is evident from all of the drone footage that has been taken of this illegal mining project the following has occurred: undue harm to the water, wildlife, and freshwater systems of the area around the Nolichucky River; sedimentation and pollution to the rivers, streams, and lakes of this beautiful mountain area; significant damage near publicly-owned lands; and, last but not least, impacted the public health and safety of the people in the Poplar area and beyond.” The letter continues, the MCDP “respectfully requests that Permit 61-22 be denied and criminal prosecution of those involved in this illegal mining activity be actively pursued. These actions will go a long way in protecting the people and natural resources of this beautiful mountain area for future generations.”
Mining is an important economic engine in Mitchell County, and Gouge says the MCDP supports legal mining operations that are good stewards of our natural resources that abound in this beautiful mountain area and are careful not to impact the health of the people who live in close proximity to the mines.
mcdp-letter-on-mining-issue-in-poplar-with-horizon-30-llc
