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    Complaint

    134408
    WPC
    11/14/2024
    Email
    Stream Alteration
    14-NOV-2024 12:34PM

    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

    Investigation Ongoing
    11/13/2024

    Complaint Description and Writeup

    CSX is mining rock, cobble from Nolichucky RiverHI,
    I'm very concerned about the CSX railroad contractor operating heavy machinery in the Nolichucky river without any permits. I have worked as a raft guide for USA Raft and Wahoo's for the past 3 decades.
    Following the 2004 and 1977 floods, CSX railroad in house repaired the tracks using irregular quarry rock and concrete. Those repairs held until the recent monumental Hurricane Helene flood. If you were to look at the Lost Cove pool railroad bed midway up the gorge, you can still see irregular quarry rock holding up the railroad bed 100 years after it was originally built. The current contractor is mining round river rocks and destroying the river bed and rapids.
    Erwin TN receives millions of tourist money directly from raft companies as well as restaurants, gas stations etc...
    I am requesting that the contractor pause all river activities until permits are in place to safeguard our river. Their repairs using river stone will not last.
    Thank you for any assistance that you can provide.
    Michael Crooks
    (828)284-2587
    If you have any questions or comments, call us at (615) 532-0287 or email the TDEC Help Desk at BG-Help_Desk@tn.gov.