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DWR Complaints
Complaint Details
Complaint
Complaint Number
134397
DWR Program Area
WPC
Date Received
11/14/2024
How Received
Ask TDEC
Concerning
Stream Alteration
Concerning (Other)
Assigned on
Record Last Updated
14-NOV-2024 12:36PM
Location based on SITE_ID
Site ID
183593
Site
Milepost Z 141.3 to NC state line
Location
LOW GAP RD
City
Erwin
Description
Railroad track
County
Unicoi
EFO Name
Johnson City
Site Owner
-
Investigation Results
Status
Investigation Ongoing
Date Investigated
11/13/2024
Responsible Party
Completed on
Referred To
Referred on
Photos
Complaint Description and Writeup
Complaint Description and Writeup
Good morning everyone, I hope you're doing well!
I'm writing to beg that you please intervene to preserve the natural beauty and quality of the Nolichucky River. For us whitewater enthusiasts, the gorge is our cathedral- our place where the beauty of mother nature's creation brings us closer to God, enriches and rejuvenates us. It’s also the crucial avenue for the substantial tourism industry surrounding the river's intricate, well-crafted natural rapids.
CSX’s rebuilding project is necessary for the local and area economy. However, their current methods of scraping clear all of the rock in the riverbed are destroying eons of the river's natural carving and rapid creation, as well as habitat for native species including the endangered Appalachian Elktoe Mussel.
Removing the variability and natural placement of river rocks will also dramatically increase river speed during future floods, and will lead to recurrent issues with instability and erosion. Additionally, the round river stones CSX is pulling up and stacking to form the new rail bed are unstable by nature, with a high probability of breaking loose during the next high water event. Quarried stones with sharp edges that can lock together would provide a more stable long-term result.
I'm not asking that you stop CSX from rebuilding the track, or even to stop them entirely from using river rock. I'm only asking that you slow them down enough to consult with ecological and whitewater specialists to preserve the river’s ecology and world-class whitewater features. Thank you very much for your consideration.
Chris Harjes