Excessive mining of rock quarries throughout Cocke County are stripping our mountains, rivers and forests of their natural beauty. They destroy precious wildlife habitat, create hazardous air pollution, and excessive noise pollution (per the NCBI.NIH.Gov, Multiple studies have shown that particulate matter pollution from quarry operation and diesel exhaust is associated with an increase of several diseases such as heart diseases, respiratory diseases, and several types of cancer). Property values drop on average of 30% within 1/4 mile and 19% within 1 mile as soon as quarry operations begin. The risk of ground water contamination, dislodging boulders and sink holes opening up from blasting is dangerous to adjacent properties. The quarry properties are not fenced and in rural areas, making them inviting and dangerous. Some of these companies operate multiple rock mining operations throughout our county. Let our county leaders know that we the people don't want more rock mining and forests depleted in our mountains.