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    Complaint

    134397
    WPC
    11/14/2024
    Ask TDEC
    Stream Alteration
    14-NOV-2024 12:36PM

    Location based on SITE_ID

    Site ID
    183593
    Site
    CSXT ROW on the Blue Ridge Subdivision in Tennessee
    Location
    LOW GAP RD
    City
    Erwin
    Description
    reconstruction of rail bed and track destroyed by hurricane Helene
    County
    Unicoi
    EFO Name
    Johnson City
    Site Owner
    -

    Investigation Results

    Investigation Ongoing
    11/13/2024

    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