Sort of Says It All, Doesn't It?

Sumner County Residents Oppose Rock Quarry

[ VIDEO Here ]

By Jamey Tucker and Tiani Jones

WKRN – News Channel 2

CASTALIAN SPRINGS, Tenn. – Castalian Springs residences met with county leaders on Thursday night to express their concerns about a proposed rock quarry.

Homeowner John Simmons is just one of the residents that is against the idea of opening a rock quarry in the community.

He told Nashville's News 2 he was surprised to learn about the proposed plans.

"I could not believe it. There is no place that you could find that is less suited for this quarry," Simmons said.

In an effort to prevent the quarry from moving into the area, residents have collected hundreds of signatures and formed the "Save Castalian Springs" group.

So... About that $15,000 Fine...

Someone should introduce Tom White to Google.

Company Fined $15,000 for Highwall Violations

WEDNESDAY, 13 APRIL 2011

By Ellen Smith

Two citations for loose material in an overhanging highwall led to $15,000 in fines for Hoover Inc. for failing to correct hazardous conditions in violation of §56.3200. In one citation, the ALJ increased the penalty.

Hoover owns the Lebanon Quarry & Mill, a multi-bench surface-pit rock quarry in Tennessee.

In October 2008, MSHA issued two citations. In one case, MSHA found a 40-ft. highwall contained loose material, including rocks 5 ft. x 3 ft., and overhangs of up to 5 ft. MSHA also found several large cracks along the highwall.  There were no berms or a barrier to prevent people from entering the area of the hazard, and the inspector was concerned that falling rocks could crush or crash through the cabs of the loaders.

The company admitted that they did not remove loose material after blasting; claiming that scaling would be dangerous and not economically feasible. Instead, miners would keep back 15 to 20 ft. from the toe.

ALJ Margaret A. Miller found that MSHA established the violation. Based on the testimony, she said the highwall’s condition “presented a hazard” to workers because bad weather or an explosion could easily cause the loose material to fall.

“The mine could have bermed-off or barricaded the area if it did not want to scale the highwall, however it failed to do so,” the ALJ said.

She also agreed it was S&S because of the falling rock hazard, which “would certainly be serious and potentially fatal” if it fell. Miller, however, increased MSHA’s proposed penalty from $4,099 to $5,000.

In the case of a second violation for §56.3200, the company had a berm, but material had been removed and cleaned right up to the toe.

This highwall also reached 40 ft. high, and also contained large, loose rocks. MSHA said it was S&S, with high negligence and a proposed penalty of $6,624. The ALJ agreed it was S&S and this time, with high negligence. The ALJ noted that MSHA discussed this exact issue with management on a previous occasion, yet loaders had been working directly under the loose material.

The company superintendent was aware of this practice and of the safety standard, and the ALJ agreed that the company “was highly careless in failing to supervise” the worker. Because of the high negligence, the fact that the hazard existed for an extended period and the failure to abate, ALJ Miller increased the fine to $10,000.

REMINDER: Meeting Tonight at 6:00 p.m.

SPREAD THE WORD!

Q&A with Quarry Attorney, Tom White

Thursday, June 30th

6:00 p.m.

Sumner County Administration Bldg.

355 N. Belvedere Drive in Gallatin

(Behind the Wal-Mart)

Quarry Now Knocks on Castalian Springs’ Door

By Mike Towle

The TENNESSEAN

June 29, 2011

It was too good an offer to pass up. In pouring rain locals call a "frog strangler," I jumped into the front passenger seat of the minivan and buckled up. Sitting next to me was the driver and one of Sumner County's most entertaining raconteurs, Gallatin historian and furniture maker extraordinaire John Garrot.

The occasion was a guided tour of that part of Castalian Springs concentrated with some of Middle Tennessee’s most historical landmarks and hallowed grounds. Some of this, such as Wynnewood and Bledsoe's Fort Historic Park, I knew about; other gems such as the Bate House, log-cabin homes tucked into newer structures, and ancient Indian burial grounds, well, let's just say I was among the historically malnourished. Garrott cured me of that. 

One of the contemporary homes we passed belongs to John and Allyson Simons. About a year ago they invested their life savings to buy 10 serene acres off Corum Hill Road and move here from Virginia, unwitting to the life-changing pile of rocks now apparently on the verge of landing at their front doorstep. More on the Simons in a minute. 

Worst Researchers Ever?

I think my favorite part of the News Channel 5 piece is when Tom White, attorney for Western Farm Products, LLC/Hoover, Inc./Who Knows Who Else, is quoted as saying "they're aware of the historical significance of Castalian Springs, but they've researched the property and do not believe they'll disrupt any historical sites"...


Did you catch that? They researched it. But managed to miss the two MAJOR historical sites only hundreds of yards away. Doesn't sound like very thorough research to me.

The History of Castalian Springs

Looking for a good primer on the history of Castalian Springs and why it's so important to protect it?
Click here. 

Rock Quarry Worries People in Castalian Springs

By Adam Ghassemi

News Channel 5

[Click here to watch the video.]

A new neighbor moving into a historical mid-state community is upsetting the people who live there. Hundreds of acres in Castalian Springs, just outside Gallatin, could become a rock quarry.

MTSU Anthropology Professor Kevin Smith spent Tuesday working with students to excavate the Castalian Springs Mound that dates back to the 13th century.

"This was basically the capital, the Gallatin of its day," Smith said.

Tuesday the group found a piece of sword believed to once be used by Native American Chiefs. Smith believes it's only one of a few dozen in existence. "It's a major find. It tells us this was a really major, important building that we're working on," he said.

Not far from their dig, people are upset about something else that could soon be unearthed.

"It's a tragedy," said retired resident Tom Neal who worries a rock quarry will ruin this small community. "If you picked a place on any map in Tennessee and threw a dart, you couldn't hit a worse place than Castalian Springs, Tennessee," Neal said.

That's because of the area's strong ties to history.

In one direction the Wynnewood gives visitors a look into a stagecoach inn once meant for travelers between Knoxville and Nashville. In the opposite direction, Hawthorne Hill is the birthplace of a confederate Major General. In between, on Old Highway 25, a grassy field could become the home to the quarry.

That's not sitting well with local historian, John Garrett.

"The dream that I've had for the last 30 odd years is to have this be a historical site. This whole area here, and this will just destroy it. That's all there is to it," Garrett said.

People aren't only upset about what the site could be, but the way it was purchased. Hoover, Inc. formed Western Farm Products, LLC to disguise their land purchase. People thought it was going to be a farm. The company's attorney, Tom White, said by phone it's common for major companies to acquire land this way to ensure they get a competitive price.

White also said they're aware of the historical significance of Castalian Spring, but they've researched the property and do not believe they'll disrupt any historical sites.

Many people here hope if the quarry does come, it won't disturb what the community is known for.

"I'm not opposed to quarrying necessarily, but putting it so close to this giant concentration of historic sites really is going to detract for the long term," Smith said.

Hoover, Inc. is hosting a town hall meeting Thursday night to explain the process to residents.

Hoover, Inc. Public Meeting
6 p.m. – Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sumner County Administration Building
355 N. Belvedere Drive

Next month the Sumner County Board of Zoning Appeals will decide if they get a permit to operate the quarry.

County Board of Zoning Appeals
6 p.m. – Thursday, July 14, 2011
Sumner County Administration Building
355 N. Belvedere Drive

Community Canvass for July 4th Holiday

Below is also the flyer our group will be passing over the July 4th weekend. Email us if you want to be a part of our community canvassing. Or you can print this and make your own copies for your area. We appreciate any help you can give!

PUBLIC NOTICE for July 14th Meeting

Here is the official Public Notice for the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on July 14th. Please spread the word around. If you need a copy of this for printing and handing out in your area, email us at savecastaliansprings@gmail.com.

LETTER: Protecting Our History

Yesterday evening I was enjoying the calm and serenity that has been present in Historic Castalian Springs for a couple hundred years. Sitting on my patio I could hear the call of the evening doves, the croaks from the frogs at our pond, and the gleeful chirping of crickets. The soliloquy of the countryside will be replaced by the blasting of our beloved farmland shattering forever our skyline will flying rocks and dust.

The smell of honeysuckles vines, wild roses, and apple blossoms replaced by the poisonous fumes from two asphalt plants and dust from two cement plants and a rock crusher. All from the GREED of Hoover, Inc. who has no regard for one of the most historic sites in all of Middle Tennessee and the 50 + landowners that adjoin the quarry-industrial complex.

The state and the county own five historic homes in harm’s way; Wynnewood and the General Bates house are within a few hundred yards of the five dust-spewing, toxic fumes producing plants.

There can be no worst place in Middle Tennessee for this type operation, NONE!!

 

Tom Neal, Jr. 

Castalian Springs, TN

LETTER: To the Citizens and Friends of Sumner County

The heritage and natural beauty of Castalian Springs is about to face its biggest threat yet.

The quality of life will forever be changed for area residents if the Hoover Quarry Company is allowed to proceed with its plans to establish a quarry, two asphalt plants, two cement plants and a rock crusher plant on the farm land in the Corum Hill Road area and the Old Highway 25 area of Castalian Springs. This complex will be within:

Historical land trusts monuments such as Bledsoe Lick Historical Park, General Bates home, The Parker Cabin, The Rogan Irish stone cabin, The Bledsoe cemetery, Wynnewood and the Indian burial mound sight. All will be neighbors with The Hoover quarry Industrial complex.

The state and federal government are in the process of spending approximately six million dollars to reconstruct Wynnewood from tornado damage sustained three years ago. The state recently acquired the General Bate home; both homes are within less than a 1000 yards of the industrial sights. This planned industrial development will decimate a large area of land and produce chemical bi-products that will infiltrate the life, habitat, and historic buildings of an area known for its productive farmland and peaceful way of life.

 When my late husband, Tom Mabrey helped established the Bledsoe Lick Historical Park, he envisioned a place of beauty and tranquility where people could enjoy the out of doors and a sense of history and time.

 Let us stand together to preserve the historical significance of this area and to protect the ecological environment of Castalian Springs. Please speak up:

In Tom Mabrey's own words:

"Will they be children lost in time and

space, No history...no special place.

Few there are who understand...

Yesterday was once tomorrow's plan."  

Respectfully,

Carrie D. Mabrey

LETTER: Castalian Springs Under Attack

There is a battle shaping up in Castalian Springs.  On one side are the residents of the small, sleepy town of Castalian Springs who value their peace and quiet and rural lifestyle.  On the other side is the large corporation of Hoover Inc. who want to place a rock quarry, cement plants, asphalt plants, and rock crushing facility on about 350 acres in the heart of the town, and near some of the most significant historical sites in the State, such as Wynnewood, Bledsoe’s Fort, and Bate’s house.

This project would destroy the quality of life in this town.  It will also make State Road 25 a traffic-clogged, dangerous road. This project is totally wrong for this area, and I’m convinced, opposed to the Sumner County Comprehensive Plan and zoning regulations. One would think it would never be approved, but the people behind the quarry have the money to hire the slick lawyers, and are motivated by large profits.  I only hope that residents of Castalian Springs can count on our Sumner County officials to do the right thing and give this project the boot.

 John Simons

Castalian Springs, TN

CALL LIST (PART 2): Elected Officials

Sumner County


Anthony Holt
County Executive
452-3604
aholt@sumnertn.org


David Satterfield

3rd District Commissioner

452-6166


Steve Graves

3rd District Commissioner

330-0688


State Representative


Mike McDonald
Office - 741-1980
Home - 888-3081
rep.michael.mcdonald@capitol.tn.gov


State Senator
Kerry Roberts
Office - 741-1999
sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov


U.S. Representative
Diane Black
Gallatin Office - 206-8204

CALL LIST: Zoning Board of Appeals

It's time to make our voices heard. Here are the numbers for the Zoning Board of Appeals who will be hearing the quarry application on July 14th. As always, be respectful and polite, with your questions and comments. We just to need to make sure the Board has all the facts.


Mark McKee, Jr.
Chairman
452-4020


Bruce Rainey
Vice-Chairman
822-0012


Sandy Webster
452-6131


Don Dickerson
826-3214


(James Cole will not serve.)


Richard Jones
230-0506 Ext. 4


Marsh Ragland
887-6970

URGENT MEETING: Thursday, July 14th at 6:00 p.m.

If you only go to one meeting this year... MAKE IT THIS ONE!


Sumner  County Zoning Board of Appeals
Thursday, July 14th at 6:00 p.m.


Sumner County Administration Building
355 N. Belvedere Drive in Gallatin
(Behind the Wal-Mart)


This will be our best chance to stand up and CRUSH THIS QUARRY!

The Dangers of Asphalt Plant Pollution

According to a fact sheet on Asphalt Plant Pollution:

"These plants release millions of pounds of chemicals to the air during production each year, including many cancer-causing toxic air pollutants such as arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde, and cadmium. Other toxic chemicals are released into the air as the asphalt is loaded into trucks and hauled from the plant site, including volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and very fine condensed particulates."
"Exposure to these air toxics may cause cancer, central nervous system problems, liver damage, respiratory problems and skin irritation. According to one health agency, asphalt fumes contain substances known to cause cancer, can cause coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath, severe irritation of the skin, headaches, dizziness, and nausea."

The Dangers of Quarry Blasting, Part 2

More evidence that you don't have to live right next door to be in harm's way when the quarry blasting begins. Full story here: http://www.wsmv.com/story/14954001/copy-rock-quarry-blasting-an-issue-in-cookeville

Rock Quarry Blasting an Issue in Cookeville

Associated Press

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Cookeville city attorney says there's little the city can do to halt or restrain blasting from a rock quarry.

Dan Rader, however, said he believes residents complaining about the work could win relief from a judge.

In April, a couple said an 80-pound rock from the quarry plunged through their roof. According to the Cookeville Herald-Citizen, a dresser was destroyed and insulation and electrical wires disturbed.

Rader told the City Council that he hopes the state will intervene so a private lawsuit is not needed.

MEETING: Thursday June 30th

On Thursday, June 30th at 6:00 p.m., there will be a PUBLIC MEETING in the Sumner County Administration Building, 355 N. Belvedere Drive in Gallatin.

According to a letter from the attorney for Western Farm Products, LLC, the meeting is to give the "company" (we all know by now it's Hoover, Inc.) a chance to "explain and describe" its application for a quarry. There will be a 45-minute presentation followed by a 45-minute Q&A session. 

While the letter claims the application is not a request for a zoning change, it does admit the property is currently zoned R1A (residential).

SO HERE'S the FIRST QUESTION: Where does it say you can build a rock quarry in a residential zone in Sumner County?

The Dangers of Quarry Blasting

This from our neighbors in Murfreesboro. You can read the story and ALL the informative comments here: http://www.murfreesboropost.com/former-commissioner-complains-about-blasting-cms-993

Former Commissioner Complains about Blasting

By LISA MARCHESONI
The Murfreesboro Post

Blasting may be damaging the home of a former county commissioner and affecting the family's health, she reported Monday to Murfreesboro Police.

Ex-commissioner Tina Jones, who lives on U.S. Highway 41 South (Manchester Highway), reported blasting from the Joe B. Jackson Parkway area may cause respiratory problems for her family, Officer Jason McGee reported.
"Mrs. Jones stated that she has already experienced sinus problems as a result from the dust and debris," McGee reported.

She complained the dust and debris was thick enough to prevent visibility for 30 feet. She expressed concern for the family's horses.

Also, she reported the blasting shook her house and may damage the foundation.

The fire marshal's office is responsible for handling blasting complaints.

What Are They Hiding?

According to a letter from their attorney, the applicant for this rock quarry is something called Western Farm Products Co, LLC. Makes it sound they want to farm, doesn't it? But that "company" was only created in April of this year (about two months ago!) to cover for Hoover, Inc., a well-known operator of rock quarries that was fined for violations at its quarry in Lebanon the same month it created its front company.

We Need Your Help!

Property values, traffic, dust, noise, pollution, and damage to our historical community … are just a few of the concerns on our minds after discovering a 350+ Acre Quarry is being proposed for a residential area right here in Historic Castalian Springs off Highway 25. Many neighbors in the area are still unaware of this plan to destroy our serene landscape and the historic environs surrounding this site.  Rock quarries have serious negative effects on a community: 

They decrease property values in surrounding neighborhood.

They create dangerous breathing and health issues for residents by sending large amounts of dust into the air for miles.

They overload and damage our roads with huge trucks, and some rock quarries increase truck traffic by 300 or more trucks per day!

They damage homes, split plaster, and crack wells, driveways and foundations. Quarry blasting can be heard and felt for miles.

Runoff from quarry sites can pollute our natural streams, poison farm animals, and contaminate our drinking water. 

Quarry Buys Land in Castalian Springs

By Marjorie Lloyd
marjorie@thegallatinnews.com
The Gallatin News

June 16, 2011

The rural serenity of the Castalian Springs community is beginning to change, first with Dollar General opening a location and now with a quarry company purchasing approximately 400 acres of land off Corum Hill Road, on May 11. However, the approval for the zoning of the property to change from R1A (residential, agriculture) to allow industrial use may prove to be difficult.

Hoover Inc., out of Rutherford County, which has plants and quarries in both Tennessee and Alabama, formed an LLC company in April, entitled Western Farm Products, with a Brentwood office in the Maryland Farms business district, and used a Wilson County realtor to make the blind purchase from the Charles Haynes’ family of the Ted Payne Farm, a 350.17 acre parcel.

Three other, much smaller parcels were also purchased at the same time that allow access to New Highway 25. The company paid $172,000 for one from Jimmy Dale West; $66,835 to Eric Birdwell; and to William Lawson, 115,000 for another.The company has filed a request for a conditional use permit in order “to operate a quarry with accessory asphalt and concrete plants and rock-crushing facilities.”

“We had no earthly idea,” said Michelle Haynes in discussing the sale. “That’s the first time in my life as a real estate broker that we have done a blind sale. They would not tell us who they were. It was totally anonymous. Never in our wildest dreams did we think it a quarry company.”