A company that wants to open a quarry in Old Hickory is facing questions from state officials.
The state Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has announced its intent to revoke two permits after an inspection found unauthorized construction beginning on land off Burnett Road, according to
state records made public on Monday.
Residents near the proposed site
are already celebrating the latest move. Many didn’t want the limestone quarry nearby, fearing that blasting could disturb their homes, wildlife, and the Old Hickory Dam.
State environmental inspectors spotted soil excavation underway last week and ordered the company to stop and to attend a meeting next week to answer questions about “compliance issues.”
“The Division advised you previously that no construction should take place until all required information is submitted and reviewed,” reads a letter from TDEC to the company president. “Further excavation or construction activity on the site in violation … will result in enforcement action.”
The company, named Industrial Land Developers, could not immediately be reached for comment.
Meanwhile, officials with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
confirmed the area’s habitat is ideal for the endangered Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat and could be affected by the proposed quarry.
Blasting could also disturb a nearby bald eagle’s nest that was found within a half-mile.
Neither of the wildlife findings block the project, but they could add restrictions to what can take place and the size of buffer areas required between mining and the surroundings.
On top of the state and federal findings, area
Councilman Larry Hagar is still moving forward on
a new local law that would stop the quarry.
That bill awaits a second reading and public hearing. A companion proposal would also limit asphalt and concrete plants, which are part of the proposal for the 141-acre property in Old Hickory.
“They’ve been told before they weren’t supposed to be doing this,” Hagar told WPLN. “I’m just glad it came out … that these people are not following the rules under the permit process.”
Inspectors previously requested a more thorough environmental impact study from the quarry company.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM