I just saw this email to the BOCC – since communications with our elected officials are public documents, I am sharing it here. Will the BOCC ignore this citizen? So far they have done nothing.
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To: nallam@dconc.gov <nallam@dconc.gov>; nburns@dconc.gov <nburns@dconc.gov>; hcarter@dconc.gov <hcarter@dconc.gov>; bhowerton@dconc.gov <bhowerton@dconc.gov>; wjacobs@dconc.gov <wjacobs@dconc.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 07:17:34 PM EST
Subject: Serious on-going road hazard in Durham County enters 3rd year
For over 2 years — yes, we’re now into the 3rd year — I have driven by the same road hazard at least 5 days each week. My car was never damaged by this road hazard . . . until today.
Adventures of Rock LLC purchased several parcels off of Wake Forest Road (parcel numbers 194110, 194106, 194111) in 2021. Since then, SR 98 (aka, Wake Forest Road) has been covered in dirt, rocks, and other runoff (see “Road hazard” photo). Apparently, Adventures of Rock LLC does not believe in using hay bales, screen mesh, or other barriers to prevent its runoff from covering the highway.
When I stopped to take photos today, I also looked for the “permit board” (so I could easily record construction information). When I was unable to find such a board, I was told by a construction worker that there was no “permit board” because it was a “farming” operation (see “Farming activity” photo).
I have a masters degree in environmental science. I have worked for various regulatory agencies. I have inspected many, many farms over the years. What I saw was developmental land clearing — not “farming” activity (see “Land clearing” photo). Dozens of dirt haulers were going in and out of this site all day today. Again, that is not “farming” activity.
I reported the road mess to NC DOT. Cleaning up this mess is not NC DOT’s responsibility. It is the responsibility of Adventures of Rock LLC.
While taking photos and video, I spoke with Paul, the unfortunate man who owns the neighboring property to the east. Paul informed me that this on-going mess has been reported many times over the last 2+ years. Adventures of Rock LLC has been temporarily shut down (according to Paul) and made to clean up the mess. Also according to Paul, Adventures of Rock LLC has simply dumped water on the road in an effort to clear up the mess. Instead, they simply made the mess muddy. I can attest to this, too.
Today, one of the numerous dirt haulers crossed the road in front of me (as I was driving 55 mph, the speed limit), kicking up one of the many loose rocks that spilled down the hill and onto the road. And that rock struck my windshield. Who is going to pay for the repair? I have a deductible, so my insurance isn’t going to cover it. Will you pay for the repair? Will Adventures of Rock LLC pay for the damages it caused?
Where is the land-clearing/construction permit that Adventures of Rock LLC should have? Why isn’t the permit posted on the site? Is Durham County allowing people to skip getting a construction/land-clearing permit if they call the operation “farming” activity? Is Durham County deliberately allowing an on-going road hazard? Does Durham County even care about construction/land-clearing runoff? Perhaps water quality doesn’t matter to Durham County. Perhaps Durham County considers public safety and environmental protection over-rated tripe.
THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER 2 YEARS!!!!!!
You were elected in 2020. This on-going problem — which started in 2021 — falls entirely on your watch.
Anti-environment. Anti-water quality. Anti-public safety. Anti-accountability. Anti-competency. Pro-irresponsible developer.
Another thing Paul told me: this area has had many car accidents in the last 2 years. Who has to die — and how many people have to die — before you finally correct this 2+ year on-going problem?
Sincerely,
Fed Up 4/4 Voter
Save Durham 