Increases in quarrying being monitored

More quarry firms are focusing their sights on land atop the Arbuckle Simpson aquifer. And they want to use purest groundwater to wash rocks.

Because of its large deposits of limestone, sandstone and granite, the area is attractive as a resource for these building materials.

Meridian's water use permit is the largest so far of several mines operating now in Johnston County. Hanson Aggregates has applied for an amount even larger. Vulcan Materials has been performing tests but has yet to apply for a permit.

The cumulative aquifer drawdown by these stream and groundwater permits is of major concern to CPASA because it affects stream flow. For example, Mill Creek shrunk from its normal year-round flow, even during droughts, to a mere trickle last winter. It's unclear how anyone can consider local streams reliable for industrial use when they have shown such vulnerability.

It's time for this industry to find alternatives to ground and stream water. Why can't the companies use water from non-pure sources for washing rocks, such as recycled water from nearby industries or treated municipal wastewater?

CPASA continues watching to make sure that use of groundwater by this industry will leave a healthy aquifer and normal stream flow.