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Standing Together for Clean Air, Water & Jobs Titan Cement Update
Q3 2015
Jennifer Salter, Clean Communities [email protected]
o Nestled in-between ocean, river and wetlands
o Regional hot spot for biodiversity
o Historic downtown, cultural & artistic activity
o Access to outdoor recreation
o Local food sources
o Strong tourism economy
o Quality of life
o Mix of industryAbove photos from 2014-2015 NC Cape Fear Wildlife Infra Red Cameras
What Makes New Hanover County (NHC) Unique?
The Coalition & CommunityStanding Strong
o Stop Titan Action Network (STAN), a coalition of seven organizations, along with thousands of citizens and more than a hundred businesses that are working together to oppose Titan Cement, a Greek-based billion dollar conglomerate.
o More than 18,000 citizens have signed a petition in opposition to the Titan development project.
o More than 250 Healthcare and Public Health Officials oppose Titan.
Former Ideal Cement vs Titan Cement
Titan proposes to build a cement plant that includes a 3,000 acre open pit mine and coal-fired cement kiln. Six times the size of the former Ideal Cement plant in Castle Hayne!
Creek
Produced 500,000 Tons Cement
Mineral resources:
500 acres
Jobs: 170
Former Ideal
Cement Projected 2.2 Million Tons Cement
Mineral resources:
3,742.7 acres (more
than 5 sq miles!)
Jobs: <50
Titan Cement
NE Cape Fear River
Island Creek
Former Ideal Cement Plant
Titan Cement Plant
Titan’s Foot Printa large impact upon
our community
Creek
o Elementis Chromium plant –immediately adjacent to Titan’s property, is contaminated by hexavalent chromium endangering the groundwater supply.
o There are 29 Superfund sites designated by the EPA in this region.
o The groundwater is contaminated by fuel leaks from the former plant.
o Sutton Power plant is now fueled by natural gas. Why introduce another coal fired industry ?
NHC Already Has High Pollutant Concerns
More than 140 Toxic
Air Pollutants
170 lbs./yr lead
46 lbs/yr Mercury
From Our Community PerspectiveTitan’s External Effects
Air pollution from a coal fired plant will assault our human health, food, water, & natural resources.
Titan will undermine efforts to create a clean, high-tech, economic center to attract good quality jobs.
Environmental Justice issue-Subjects our most vulnerable citizens in age, color, and poverty.
State/Federal regulations cannot monitor local effects. Need local control & review.
Titan will withdraw 13-16
million of gallons of water
per day from the Castle
Hayne and Pee Dee aquifers.
As an entire community,
Cape Fear Public Utility
Authority customers use
approximately 17 million
gallons of water per day!
Titan’s Water UsageHow much is it?
Titan will use water
equal to 260,000
baths per day!
Titan will use water
equal to 26 Olympic
sized swimming pools
per day!
Water UsageWhy is this important?
• Population growth and economic expansion with 38% projected growth in New Hanover County through 2030*
• Principal sources of freshwater supply are withdrawals of surface water from the Cape Fear River and groundwater from the underlying Castle Hayne and Peedee aquifers.
• Competition for freshwater resources include industrial, mining, irrigation, and aquaculture groundwater withdrawals which will only increase.
The water-supply
utilities in New
Hanover County rely
on a combination of
surface water and
groundwater to meet
needs for potable
(drinking) water.
*North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, 2014
Mining Our AquifersPotential Groundwater Impacts
A cone of depression occurs when you drop your scoop of ice cream (made with groundwater) on the ground on a hot summer day.
True or False?
• New Sinkholes should be anticipated as a result of dewatering at the Titan Cement site mine.
• Drawdown Impacts will threaten local wells and regional groundwater supplies.
• Contaminant Migration may substantially alter contaminated groundwater flow.
• Cone of Depression influence high and low points in the water table, changing the direction of the water movements could change the direction groundwater flows in. That might change what you find IN your water (i.e. pollutants).
Report Source: Potential Groundwater Impacts of the Proposed Carolinas Cement Company Facility Curtis A. Consolvo, L.G. GeoResources, Inc. March 20, 2014
WetlandsDid You Know?
o Wetlands are among the most fertile productive ecosystems in the world which
rivals the likes of tropical rainforest and coral
reefs, . (Source: Ramsar)
o 2/3 of all fish consumed world-wide are dependent on coastal wetlands at some stage in their lifecycle. (Source: Ramsar)
o As many as one-half of all North American bird species nest or feed in wetlands.
o Although wetlands cover only about 5% of the land surface in the lower 48 states, they are home to 31% of plant species. (Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service)
Our WetlandsContribute to Our Local Economy
Drinking Water Quality: Wetlands improve and clean our water quality in the Cape Fear River and are valuable filters for future drinking water.
Flood Control: Wetlands act as natural buffers, soaking up and storing a significant amount of flood water.
Fisheries: Wetlands are vital to fish health and thus to the Nation’s multi-billion dollar fishing industry. They supply a consistent food supply, shelter and nursery grounds for marine and freshwater species.
Recreation/Tourism: Wetlands provide places for hiking, fishing, bird watching and hunting.
Wildlife Habitat: Many species of wildlife rely on wetlands for their existence.
Did you know?
Titan Cement will
destroy more than 1,000
irreplaceable acres of
wetlands in New
Hanover County.
The Balance of Jobs & Economic Development
TitanOverall New Hanover County and
Cape Fear Region
* Dr.Craig Galbraith and Dr. Curt Stiles, economists at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, refute Titan’s economic claims and say that the real cost of Titan will be a long-term loss of jobs and opportunity as well as potentially serious damage to our tourism-based economy in return for short-term economic gain.
What Leads to a Decision that Stops Titan?
Local/State/Federal Legal Decisions
Political Conditions Public Participation
The Ongoing Block and Tackle
Titan needs more than 16 federal, state and local permits. Including:
Federal 404 Permit (Wetland impacts)
State Mining permit
NPEDS: Water discharge permit
NHC Special Use Permit-Local review and approval: Key milestone for Titan.
To date: The only permit issued is the state air permit and is being challenged by the federation and three other coalition partners.
o If adopted, has the potential to attract & incentivize clean economic development, yet also protect the undeniable value of our region’s natural assets
o If adopted, will provide our community the opportunity for input to determine which industries are compatible with the region’s economy, public health, natural assets & unique quality of life.
o If adopted, will provide a fast-tracking review process for desirable industries
o If adopted, will establish a rigorous review procedure for industries that have a significant potential to adversely affect the community’s economy, health, and environment.
o If adopted, will create predictable submittal and timeline procedures for applicants.
A Model SUP Process for Industrial DevelopmentHow We Can Attract the Right Type of Industry
LOCAL LEGAL DECISION
A Model SUP Process for Industrial DevelopmentHow We Can Attract the Right Type of Industry
WHO:A diverse Project Advisory Team, consisting of 14 members including Chamber of Commerce, elected officials, community leaders and county staff was formed in December 2014 to address concerns of the development community and county staff.
WHY: Develop a zoning tool to attract targeted industries that grow the Cape Fear economy, create jobs, yet preserve the region’s natural resources
WHEN: Project completion Sept 2015-proposed draft will be presented to New Hanover County Planning Department and County Manager.
The Call for Action: Our goal is to have 200 businesses sign an Open Letter to Support the Model Industrial SUP. Ultimately, the NHC Board of Commissioners has the authority to adopt, revise or reject the proposal.
Contact Us to Get Involved!
Environmental JusticeEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) Must Act
Community organizations have petitioned EPA to conduct an Environmental Justice review:
• Titan America’s proposed cement facility in North Carolina threatens the health of low-income and minority communities.
• Ensure that a thorough Environmental Impact Statement is conducted, prior to the issuance of additional state permits.
• Conduct a comprehensive Environmental Justice assessment of the proposed Titan Cement kiln and quarry
What is Environmental Justice?
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
NE Cape Fear River Wildlife ExhibitJune – August, 2015
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Kure Beach NC
A National Treasure at Risk—The Northeast Cape Fear River.
A two year photography project that collected some solid evidence for preserving this critical habitat.
Water Summit NC Coastal Federation
October 28, 2015
North Carolina Coastal Federation, Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors, New Hanover County and Cape Fear Public Utility Authority are partnering to educate elected officials, representatives and decision makers to seek solutions to preserve and protect our water supply.
Topics to be addressed:
• The State of Our Water in the SE Coast: Facing the Challenges Ahead:
• Issues affecting Water Supply
• Groundwater/Surface/Aquifer depletion andGroundwater recharge area protection
• Strategic Plan and the Future: Protection of Our Future Water Supplies
You can find these and more on the Stop Titan Action Network (STAN)
website under Resources.
o Impact of Titan Project on Groundwater Resources: Geo Resources Inc.
o Heavy Metals in the NE Cape Fear River: Dr. Stephen Skrabal: UNCW
o Health Impacts of the Proposed Titan Project: ICF International
o Economic Study of Titan’s Impact Upon the Local Economy: Dr. Craig
Galbraith UNCW
Reports/Completed Findingswww.stoptitan.org
Why is this important?
It’s a numbers game, we need thousands of united voices to influence change in policy and ensure our community voice is heard.
The economic choices we make as a community impacts our health and our environment
The Call for Action!
Go to: http://stoptitan.org/
• Sign the Petition• Write a Letter to the
Editor• Sign up for our email
updates • Volunteer
Public Participation
Get Involved!
Utilizing Your Talents, Skills, Service
Do you enjoy Public Speaking/Presenting?
Do you enjoy Organizing
Meetings/Events/Contributing to Events?
Do you enjoy Data/Research/Fact Finding?
Are you a Writer/Storyteller/Artist?
Do you have skills in Social Media/
Blogging/Design? Do you speak more than
one language? Is
Environmental Justice a
cause you would like to be
more involved in? Would
you host a new meeting to
build support? Other
ideas?
Do you own a business or do you know a
business leader?
You!
Church
Business
Medical Offices
School
New Leader
Business
Home Owners
Association
??
Building a MovementConnecting our Communities
New leader
Medical Offices
Church
Associations
Key TakeawaysFrom A Pelican’s Perspective
o Titan will destroy your own natural resources to create a 3000 + acre mine, 70-feet deep, destroy over 1000 acres of irreplaceable wetlands, wildlife habitat.
o Create one of the largest sources of air pollution in yourarea for the next 50 years.
o Be one of the highest mercury-emitting facilities in yourNew Hanover County.
o Withdraw 13-16 millions of gallons of water per day from the Castle Hayne and Pee Dee aquifers, potentially lowering the water table and risking contamination of a major source of your drinking water.
o The proposed coal fired plant could burn hazardous waste and may create waste issues that will contaminate your Cape Fear River.
Bird’s eye view
What will one of the nation’s largest cement manufacturing facilities and limestone quarries do to the already mercury-impaired Cape Fear River?
Thank you!If you would like us to present to a group or
organization, contact:
Jennifer Salter at [email protected]
“We don't inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” ― David Brower
