This protected property that maintains the rural and scenic nature of south Jackson County is located just upstream along the North Oconee River from the proposed quarry.
We invite you to join ORLT to express opposition to the proposed quarry and to support the current land plan that emphasizes agricultural and rural uses at the following meeting.
November 18th, 6:00 PM
Jackson County Board of Commissioners meeting
Jackson County Courthouse
5000 Jackson Parkway, Jefferson GA 30549
The final vote is just around the corner and we need to do everything we can ahead of this vote. Below are the most pressing action items:
Sign the petition. It’s very quick and easy.
Email the county commissioners as soon as possible. Write something original and personal as best you can.
Attend the November 18th, 6 pm Jackson County Commission meeting at the Jackson County Courthouse to show your opposition to the quarry.
Forward this email to all of your friends who live or work in Jackson and Clarke counties.
Join us at the Rock to Stop the Quarry this Saturday!
ORLT has been keeping a close eye on Vulcan Materials Company's proposed rock quarry in south Jackson County, and we are very concerned about impacts to two of our protected properties adjacent to the proposed quarry site. One of these protected properties is located just upstream along the North Oconee River from the proposed site, and the other, which contains extensive wetlands and a great blue heron rookery, is located less than 1,000 feet downstream.
Both properties are host to DNR-designated high priority habitats, including Beaver Ponds; Freshwater Marsh, Bottomland Hardwood, Mesic Hardwood, and Oak-Hickory-Pine Forests. Additionally, extensive communities of sensitive trillium species have been documented on these properties and there was even a sighting of a rare limpkin on the shores of the river during our Fall Migration Bird Hike on one of the properties last fall.
We are also concerned about impacts that could extend beyond ORLT’s conservation easements and into our local communities including water and air quality. The proposed quarry site sits atop the largest Groundwater Recharge Area in Jackson County and is close to Clarke County’s water intake on the North Oconee River. Construction of the deep mine in particular could lead to impaired water quality not only in nearby wells but also downstream from the recharge area. Additionally, blasting debris, dust, and the heavy traffic from trucks traveling to and from the site on a daily basis could heavily and negatively affect air quality.
Unfortunately, Vulcan Materials Company does not have a good track record when it comes to environmental offenses. The website Violation Tracker indicates the company has 36 environment-related offenses, totaling over $3,050,000 in penalties. This history does not instill confidence that Vulcan will uphold its promises to meet or exceed state and federal environmental regulations.
Protected properties near the proposed quarry are home to DNR-designated high priority habitats.
ORLT will be present at the Board of Commissioners meetings to voice our opposition to this proposed quarry, and we invite you to join us in our opposition by also attending and writing the Board of Commissioners expressing your concern.
November 18th, 6:00 PM
Jackson County Board of Commissioners meeting
Jackson County Courthouse
5000 Jackson Parkway, Jefferson GA 30549
A stretch of the North Oconee River in Jackson County.
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