Barbeque serves up continued support for Blounts Creek

North Carolinians from across the state recently gathered to show their ongoing support for Blounts Creek, a popular fishing spot threatened by the opening of a Martin Marietta mining operation near its headwaters. This creek—vital to an abundance of fish including red drum and herring, and enjoyed by residents and families from across the state—could face up to 12 million gallons of mine wastewater per day discharged from the proposed 649-acre mine.

Residents came together to stand in opposition to a recent ruling by Judge Phil Berger Jr. that denied local environmental advocacy groups and people living downstream of the mine the right to appeal the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ permit authorizing the destruction of the popular fishing creek. SELC is representing Sound Rivers Foundation and the North Carolina Coastal Federation in an appeal of that ruling.

Support for protecting Blounts Creek is surging. During the weekend gathering, residents enjoyed a 5K race/walk, circulated petitions and ate barbeque on a sunny Saturday afternoon in order to gather funds and garner enthusiasm for the next wave of legal efforts.