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Name:	Catherine -	Reply
Subject:	How was this permitted???
Date:	4/7/2008 9:40:49 PM

Here is an aerial of a rock quarry in the Windermere area. Notice the sediment pond to the left of the quarry, and yes, that is the lake body less than 250 feet from the pond, and less than 125 yards from the quarry itself.

This quarry has been extremely active this past year, and is MUCH larger than this photograph shows.

I am amazed that an undertaking which damages the aquatic ecostructure so severly is allowed to continue operation. I suppose it really is all about "who you know" and what you ignore.

URL: Windermere Rock Quarry

Name:	Arnold -	Reply
Subject:	How was this permitted???
Date:	4/7/2008 10:30:39 PM

Recommend you contact ADEM and inquire about the site and the permit.

However, it appears the sediment pond is fulfilling its intended purpose.

I tend to agree with you and would rather not see quarries so close to the lake. But without any area-wide planning and related land use restrictions---it happens.

Name:	Pontoonfisher -	Reply
Subject:	How was this permitted???
Date:	4/8/2008 12:08:47 PM

Last time I checked we live in a free country. From the photo I don't see any run-off issues. It's only a rock quarry. It's not like its a paper mill. I don't see and issue if they are following all applicable laws. Boaters with two stroke engines are polluting the lake more than this guy.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	How was this permitted???
Date:	4/8/2008 1:44:44 PM

I tried the link but on my computer but it didn't work. Where is it on the lake as I would like to look at it. I suspect that the sedimentation pond is serving its purpose, which is taking silt out of the stormwater flow so its not adversely impacting the lake. As for the lake water quality, its actually quite good and the non-point source flow into the lake from the numerous tributaries contributes significantly more silt than a point source like this ever would. If you get the name of the quarry you can go to ADEM's website and search for their NPDES permit and look for notices of violation (NOV). If they fall under the general permit you would have to go to ADEM's office in Montgomery and as to review their file to see if there are NOV's.

The short story is the presence of the quarry, if properly operated, should not have any impact on water quality. If they are not operating in accordance with the general stormwater permit (or a facility-specific NPDES permit) then it would be good to notify ADEM.

Name:	sagetek -	Reply
Subject:	Locks up my computer
Date:	4/8/2008 7:35:30 PM

Every time I try her pictures, my computer locks up. Works everywhere else.

Name:	alabamageologist -	Reply
Subject:	How was this permitted???
Date:	4/8/2008 8:35:46 PM

Looks like an activity that requires a permit, possibly several. That aerial is likely 2 or 3 years old. I'd also inquire about where the mined rock is being placed. Could be worse run-off than the mine itself.

Name:	Wakely -	Reply
Subject:	ADEM
Date:	4/8/2008 8:56:40 PM

Don't get your hopes up. I know of many instances where the official findings of ADEM were not those listed in the final report. That was dealing with water quality, especially around marinas, but as they say a fish rots from the head down, so I would expect teh same results, no matter the issue.

It's all who you know, how greedy they are, and how much you can afford to pay. And as we all know, or are finding out, the answers are
1. everybody
2. they have a price
3. name your price.

People have been putting up with it for decades, no reason for anything to change now.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	ADEM
Date:	4/9/2008 3:56:06 PM

Well maybe so. I deal with ADEM on a regular basis although not on Clean Water Act issues. They seem to be reasonable and diligent in doing their jobs and have a lot of concern about protection of the environment and doing their jobs. I would suspect if there is a legitimate concern they would act on it but others may have had a different experience.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	ADEM
Date:	4/9/2008 4:00:39 PM

Name:	Wakely -	Reply
Subject:	ADEM
Date:	4/9/2008 10:37:37 PM

Maybe I said that wrong. The people who came and did the work and the studies always seemed to be on the top of their came, and cared deeply. But somehow, the info they turned in was not what was eventually in the official report. Who would doctor the numers and why? The answer is obvious b ut some refuse to see the truth until it is too late.

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