Corps outlines plans for largest wetland destruction in NC history

Later today, the Army Corps of Engineers is expected to release the final Environmental Impact Statement on Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan (PCS)’s request to expand its Aurora phosphate mine. The EIS is expected to outline a plan that would destroy over 4,000 acres of wetlands and 5.5 miles of creeks surrounding the Pamlico River. The plan, which would be the largest destruction of wetlands in North Carolina history, is the option now preferred by the company. The EIS is also expected to eliminate the two least destructive options for mining from further consideration.

The Southern Environmental Law Center is working with the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation to oppose the project.

Geoff Gisler, Attorney, SELC: “The EIS expected to be released later today foreshadows a dark future for the Pamlico River. We remain hopeful that the Corps will follow the advice of state and federal resource agencies by denying the company’s request to permit the largest destruction of wetlands in the state’s history”

Heather Jacobs, director of the Pamlico Tar River Foundation:  “The action that the Corps is in the process of completing will result in lasting negative impacts for the Pamlico River region. It is disastrous that this process will result in the greatest destruction of natural wetlands in North Carolina’s history. Whether shortsighted economic gains will win over the long term environmental protection of this region is now up to the Corps.”