Another problem on Crooked Creek

[Phil Lilley]

From Pat Smith, NAFFF

Subject: Crooked Creek

There is another request for permit—this time for open-cut mining near Crooked Creek (Section 1, T 18 N, R 16 W in Marion County). This is about 3.2 miles E of the 14s bridge. The request is from Mountain Home Concrete, Inc, “Benedict Mine.” They have been mining there without a permit for over a year. They were supposedly 100’ from Crooked Creek, but they have also violated that distance.

Anyway if we want to have a public hearing we have to get letters to: James Stephens, Chief of Surface Mining and Reclamation Division, ADEQ, P.O. Box 8913, Little Rock AR 72219-8913 by OCTOBER 30, 2006. Legal no. 061019-NAP

Sorry about the short notice. We have been researching to determine what this permit was about before putting out the word. Can you believe this came out the same day as the good word that they had denied the 3 previous requests for in-stream mining on Crooked Creek? Caring about our natural state is a 24/7 job.

Gay Vekovius

[bowfin47]

Pat,

I just sent the following to Mr. Stephens at: stephens@adeq.state.ar.us

It only took a few minutes to compose and send. Every flyfisher who's ever visited north Arkansas needs to take a minute or two and do the same. Whether you've ever fished Crooked Creek or would just like for it to "be there" as an option for you, your offspring, or others, please drop Mr. Stephens a line.

As a "regulator" (i.e. my day job for the past 16 year), may I please give a little advice? When you do write or speak at Public Hearings don't talk about "feelings" or give stories. Regulators can only base their decisions on FACTS. So, stay on message and use your time (opportunity) wisely.

Tightlines,

Kyle

------------------------------

James Stephens

Chief of Surface Mining and Reclamation Division, ADEQ

RE: Legal no. 061019-NAP - request is from Mountain Home Concrete, Inc, “Benedict Mine.”

Mr. Stephens,

While a resident of Louisiana, for over twenty years I have traveled to fish the "famed" creeks and rivers of northern Arkansas. Typically, I travel with my children, relatives and/or other fly fishers from south Louisiana. We try to spend at least one week on each trip and usually make several trips each year. We often arrange to meet up with friend from Arkansas and /or other states for these trips. On these trips, we eat stay in local hotels, eat in local restaurants, purchase sporting goods, and otherwise add to the local economy. In addition, since 1980, in almost every year, I have maintained a Non-resident Yearly Arkansas Fishing License and Trout stamp.

During these trips, we often attempt to fish the famed Crooked Creek for smallmouth. Over the years, in order to have a minimal impact on the fisheries of your fair State, we have released every smallmouth bass that we have caught on these trips, and even so, we have seen marked degradation of this wonderful stream.

As I understand, the Benedict Mine has already been operating without a permit for over a year and has violated the 100 foot set-back from Crooked Creek, as required by your Department.

Therefore, the operators of this mine have already established a disregard for the environment and the laws of the State of Arkansas.

Allowing expansion of the Benedict Mine will lead to further stream degradation.

Bases upon the above, I do hereby request that the ADEQ - Surface Mining and Reclamation Division reject Mountain Home Concrete, Inc.’s permit application for their “Benedict Mine” operation.

In addition, I do hereby request that prior to making any decision of the request for permitting of this currently illegally run operation, that the ADEQ - Surface Mining and Reclamation Division hold public hearings which allow sufficient time for comments from interested citizens of both Arkansas and from outside your State.

Sincerely,

Kyle Moppert

2170 Terrace Avenue

Baton Rouge, LA 70806

bowfin47@att.net

225-343-0867 h

225-610-5847 c

[Danoinark]

Kyle Thanks for your efforts.

Dano

[Danoinark]

Mr. James Stephens

Chief of Surface Mining and Reclamation Division, ADEQ

Mr. Stephens

Please accept this email as a request to urge the ADEQ to schedule hearings concerning the latest efforts at mining on Crooked Creek.

I am referring to Legal no. 061019-NAP - request is from Mountain Home Concrete, Inc, “Benedict Mine.”

Just recently the ADEQ denied three requests for gravel mining and for that I commend your agency. And for the very same reasons I feel that the agency should take the same stand in this issue; the continued degradation of this blue ribbon stream. We continue to hear of poor water quality in our lakes and streams, sediment being dumped from construction sites, toxicity of the watersheds and a host of other imminent problems. Gravel mining is and will continue to have an adverse effect on Crooked Creek in that it simply destroys the habitat and food sources for the resident fish and causes other collateral damage including but not limited to erosion. It would appear to me that the Creek is more important to the environment and the people of this State than allowing a private enterprise access to lower cost construction materials.

Please protect this gem of the Ozarks as you have for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you for your consideration

Signature

Address

[Danoinark]

Today is the last day for public comment. Dano

http://www.baxterbulletinonline.com/apps/p...1/611270308/-1/

[Terry Beeson]

Are there any known gravel mining practices that have been successful in maintaining an ecological balance in similar situations?

What is Missouri's standard on this type of issue?