Sand quarry moves forward despite community pushback
MARION COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Jumpoff community of Marion County is not happy about their new neighbor. There is a planned sand quarry to be added to that area.
Em Turner Chitty a community member said, “They found that 150 acres right in the middle of Jumpoff that was under contract to be sold to Tinsley.”
They are concerned about many things. One concern is the current condition of the road.
Doug Cameron said, “Just a little inattention by a driver and they’re off the road. They overcorrect, spin around, they go out through the trees, and we have to cut them out of the car and hope they live.”
Another community concern was the water supply. Some worried the plant would contaminate drinking water and more.
Cliff Huffman said, “From the proposed quarry site, Jumpoff Creek runs along the plateau where it drops down Jumpoff Falls. It continues until it reaches Battle Creek. Battle Creek drains to Guntersville Lake. Guntersville lake and the waters in it drain into the Tennessee River.”
Some residents had concerns about the blasting.
“Every time there is a blast set off. I don’t care if it is scheduled or not. You’re going to put people like me back in Iraq. You’re going to put that Vietnam veteran back in Vietnam,” Brian Willis said.
Community members wanted their county government to implement a County Powers Act.
Ron Bailey said, “The County Powers Act is not a nuclear weapon that would destroy life as we know it. All it would do is not let a sand quarry operate within 5,000 feet of residents.”
Marion County chose not to opt into the County Powers Act.
This allows Tinsley, the company who owns the sand quarry plant, to go forward with operations.
The company believes the community shouldn’t worry.
Terry Sossong, the Tinsley Advisor said, “All these are very manageable issues that have been brought to the table. The real issue is that the Powers Act, is they only want it for this particular item. Then what about the next item?”
People for and against the County Powers Act showed up to the meeting.
Many people left upset with the elected officials.
Some even called for their jobs.
