A proposed rock quarry brought dozens of people to the courthouse entrance in Eatonton, Georgia, earlier this month, according to the Union-Recorder. Critics are raising the alarm about what the project could mean for their health, property values, and neighborhood peace.
Here's what to know
Organized by Putnam County Taxpayer Watchdog, the protest on Aug. 9 centered on three quarry proposals: one off Dennis Station Road in Putnam County and two off Pancras Road and Avery Store Road in Baldwin County. Many residents raised concerns about quarry dust.
"We are for growth, but not for something like that that harms us humans — nothing in residential areas like that," Putnam resident Trish McBride said, per the Union-Recorder.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, silica dust — which quarries can release — is associated with an increased risk of lung disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney disease.
Why is this concerning?
Rural communities could be disrupted by blasting and increased truck traffic, and dust and runoff might affect air and water quality.
Baldwin County has already passed a six-month moratorium on the quarries, but preserving the character of rural communities extends beyond boundary lines because Baldwin shares Lake Sinclair and other natural resources with Putnam County.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
"These natural resources don't recognize county lines and neither should our commitment to protecting them," said Jennifer Ray, a Republican candidate for the District 4 seat on the Putnam County Board of Commissioners, per the Union-Recorder.
Other major concerns included financial and environmental losses.
Richard Wright, a Baldwin County resident, said, "We live just 10 minutes away from the proposed quarry on Pancreas Road. And the value of our property is just going to go down."
Meanwhile, Sharron Callahan pointed to potential "environmental damage, wetlands, and stormwater management failures" among other infrastructure concerns.
What's being done?
Baldwin County's temporary moratorium is meant to slow the process so officials have time to study the issue and consider what protections may be available.
Residents in both counties are also trying to build political pressure. Former Putnam County Board of Commissioners Chairman Billy Webster said the Putnam proposal has already experienced significant delays before planning officials.
Danielle M. Ramsey, a Democrat seeking a seat on the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners, publicly opposed the quarries at the rally. Lenwood Pickens, an independent seeking to become the chairman of the Putnam County Board of Commissioners, did the same.
The next major step is a public hearing scheduled for Aug. 25 at 5:30 p.m. in the Baldwin County government complex's Board of Commissioners meeting room in Milledgeville.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
