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42 <br /> To prevent additional destruction of this unique corridor, which if decimated might never be <br /> restored, I encourage you to voice your opposition to the zoning changes that will be <br /> considered May 29th. Further, I implore you to encourage the Orange County Planning <br /> Commission to restrict expansion of the current activities of Gorilla Materials, Inc, located on <br /> Mt. Herman Church Road. Gorilla Materials is the business that continues to build the dirt <br /> mountain within yards of Stoney Creek. <br /> If Gorilla Materials, Inc. is allowed to expand operations, of if another company of this nature is <br /> allowed to do business on the Stoney Creek/Eno River watershed,then the destruction of this <br /> wildlife habitat will be assured. Increased stormwater runoff from the dirt mountain can only <br /> have detrimental results: <br /> • Increased pollutants leached from the dirt mountain <br /> • Increased turbidity caused by silt and clay particles flowing directly into Stoney Creek <br /> • Increased impervious and exposed soil surface areas <br /> • Increased flooding due to vegetative denudation <br /> • Increased non-point;source pollution <br /> "Stormwater pollution: <br /> So why do we care about stormwater? <br /> Quite simply...North Carolina's number one water quality problem is stormwater runoff <br /> pollution. As stormwater flows across impervious (i.e.paved) surfaces or exposed soil, it <br /> picks up various pollutants, such as oil &grease, excess nutrients, bacteria and <br /> sediment. Polluted stormwater flows down our storm drains and ditches where it is <br /> discharged, untreated, into our streams, rivers, and lakes. Stormwater runoff pollution <br /> causes adverse impacts to aquatic ecosystems,poses human health risks, and can greatly <br /> increase the cost of treating our drinking water. <br /> For more information about stormwater pollution and stormwater resources, contact the <br /> Stormwater Resource Officer,Terry Hackett" <br /> [Source: http://www.co.orange.nc.us/planning/erosion.asp#Stormwater ] <br /> More business activities of the aforementioned nature will only accelerate and exacerbate an <br /> already deteriorating situation. It is up to environmentally concerned citizens and to the <br /> Orange County Board of Planning and the Orange County Board of Commissioners to protect <br /> this fragile environment. <br /> Orange County already has an environmentally sensitive and comprehensive plan for this area <br /> adjacent to Stoney Creek. Please encourage the Commissioners to refer to their original plan <br /> and do their duty to protect the Stoney Creek Wildlife Corridor from destruction. <br /> Page2of3 <br />