Residents in Poplar, North Carolina, are preparing for a court battle against an unauthorized mining operation by Horizon 30, LLC, which they claim has polluted their environment and complicated recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene. The state’s Department of Labor has determined that the mine at Carter Quarry in Mitchell County is operating without proper permits, violating state mining laws. The company, based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, faces potential legal action as local officials and residents push for its shutdown or penalties. The mine’s continued operations have raised concerns over environmental impact and the safety of nearby communities, particularly after the hurricane left the area in disarray.
The unauthorized mining operation, which has been active since December, has come under scrutiny for its environmental impact. Residents have reported thick dust in the air and polluted riverbeds, conditions that they argue have worsened the area’s recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. The mine’s presence has also triggered fears about the safety of nearby wildlife and the health of local residents, particularly in the wake of the hurricane’s destruction. Local officials have noted that the mine’s operations have continued for months despite repeated warnings from state regulators about its lack of proper authorization.
Cody Peterson, an Army veteran and local resident, has criticized Horizon 30 for operating under the guise of emergency protocols, which were initially enacted to support post-hurricane recovery efforts, particularly in the reconstruction of a damaged railroad. He accused the company of exploiting these protocols to gain access to the area, calling the operation unethical. ‘Get out of North Carolina,’ Peterson told Fox News Digital. ‘You came in under the guise of emergency protocols, trying to fool people – unethical.’
Residents have also highlighted the contrast between Horizon 30 and another nearby mine operated by Sibelco North America Inc., which they believe has a more positive impact on the local economy by employing locals and contributing to the community. They allege that Horizon 30 has not adhered to these standards, instead focusing on maximizing profits with minimal regard for environmental and social consequences. This has led to a growing sense of community outrage, with many residents expressing frustration over the mine’s operation while they continue to rebuild their lives after the hurricane.
Leo Sharp, who lives on a nearby homestead with his husband, Tessa Sharp, has described the impact of the mining operations on their property. They have reported that nearly all of their 14 rabbits have died since the mine began operating in December, with the deaths attributed to respiratory problems caused by the thick dust in the air. The Sharps have also mentioned the damage caused by the floodwaters from Hurricane Helene, which resulted in the separation of their home’s bedroom from the rest of the house, forcing them to live in a tent on their property and later couch-surf with family members for over a year before moving back into their home. They argue that the mine has only added to the challenges they already faced in the aftermath of the hurricane.
The mine’s operations have also been a point of contention for the state’s regulatory bodies. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has stated that the company has not obtained the necessary permits, and that its continued operations have raised safety concerns for workers and the surrounding environment. Efforts to reach Horizon 30 for comment have been unsuccessful, but local records indicate that the company has not hired local residents and that many of the vehicles on-site are registered in other states, raising questions about the company’s long-term presence in the area.
As the court battle approaches, residents are hopeful that the legal action will lead to significant changes. They argue that the mine’s presence is not just an economic or environmental issue but also a matter of justice, particularly for a community still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Helene. For them, the fight against the unauthorized mining operation is not just about stopping the mine but also about ensuring that the area can rebuild without further disruptions or harm.