By Charlotte Underwood
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – A proposed rock quarry is continuing to cause concern with citizens who live and drive in the area. The quarry, located at 1623 Jacksboro Pike, Lafollette,  has generated discussion and action from the county commission and the school board. There have been concerns of blasting so close to the high school, among other issues such as truck traffic entering onto busy Highway 25W/63.

A public notice printed in the Feb. 13 edition of the LaFollette Press invites comments to the Division of Air Pollution Control in Nashville regarding the permit the rock quarry company has applied for.  The applicant, Potter Southeast Stone Facility, has applied to the state for an air contaminant permit for construction of a portable rock crushing operation.  Comments are due within 30 days of the Feb. 13 publication date and are to be sent to Michelle W. Owenby, Director, Division of Air Pollution Control, William R. Snodgrass Tower, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 15th Floor, Nashville, TN, 37243.

There are multiple churches located within 2,000 feet of the proposed quarry as well as residential areas that could be affected, according to LaFollette resident Travis Thompson.  Thompson said he has numerous concerns regarding the quarry as a nuisance. He lives adjacent to the quarry and said it vibrates his house, and he can hear the beeping of trucks constantly. The quarry is about 1,300 feet away from his home. He also has concerns that when the quarry starts crushing, the limestone silica dust will be a problem. Additionally, Thompson worries about the runoff into the creek affecting cattle and the addition of trucks pulling on and off the highway being a danger to traffic.

Paul Baxter has similar concerns and has written to the state expressing his desire the permit not be granted. Baxter even suggested the state hold a public hearing on the permit request.

According to Thompson, any citizens with concerns about the new rock quarry are asked to contact local attorney Rob Asbury, who on behalf of the county, has agreed to speak with individuals being affected by the proposed business.  Asbury can be contacted at 423-562-7800.

“Anyone living within 2,000 feet of the quarry and those who feel they could be at risk on the highway near the quarry, members of nearby churches and people with kids at CCHS are all encouraged to contact the state and Asbury if they have concerns,” Thompson said. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/02/2020-6AM)

2 Replies to “Concern continues over rock quarry; citizens can contact state and local attorney”

  1. It is also a concern for all residents of Lafollette and residents of Campbell County, that there are absolutely NO ZONING AND ORDINANCES, NO AVENUE TO SEEK OUR COMMISSIONERS TO INFORCE ZONING ABD ORDINANCE’S, EVEN THOUGH THE STATE HAS GIVEN THEM THE POWER TO DO SO.

    This quarry, is not in a ZONE, or complies with ordinances to even be there.

    Campbell County is lawless, and we are all going to suffer because of this. I live in the mountains in Campbell County and can hear the blasting and the dust will not be contained. It affects us all.

  2. I live on Hunters Branch Lane right behind the area of this rock quarry, today 3/5/20 the blast they set off cracked our foundation in 6 places . I moved here for the peace we have here not for this awful noise and explosion s .My family are all around us and now we all are having to put up with this.

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