Stop the Quarry – Investigate Corruption and Protect Carter County Property Owners

We pay our taxes. We follow zoning laws. Now we’re being forced to fight for our homes because our own county officials won’t protect us.

In Carter County, Tennessee, a massive rock quarry is being allowed to operate under the false claim of a temporary “borrow pit.” But this isn’t a short-term dirt project. It’s a permanent mining operation — and it was pushed through without public input, environmental review, or proper zoning approval.

The Noise is constant & starts early from 7:40am Friday, 8/15 imagine this All Day, Everyday!!!

https://youtube.com/shorts/ms2CwHbVLtI?si=zymwTYaU-_y7CFLa

and CONSTANTLY hearing this noise from dump trucks All Day now https://youtube.com/shorts/4-ZzLpMzrCs?si=b4p49t4i6gXN2hCw

It appears to have been approved by people with financial ties to the project, including Gary Bailey, a member of the Carter County Planning Commission who reportedly benefits from the land and permit approvals.

This appears to be permit fraud, conflict of interest, and a betrayal of the public trust.

See for yourself— https://wcyb.com/news/local/carter-county-residents-question-transparency-in-proposed-excavation-site

https://wcyb.com/news/local/carter-county-commission-discusses-quarry-construction 

Read the documentation-https://dataviewers.tdec.tn.gov/dataviewers/r/tdec_reports/f11776/site-details?p8_site_id=187312&clear=RR,8

What’s Really Happening:

Work starts early - listen to the noise yourself here = https://youtube.com/shorts/-fmegCjtKNI?feature=share

Officials labeled this project a “borrow pit” to avoid triggering public hearings or oversight.

**Updated WCYB Link - https://wcyb.com/news/local/tn-ethics-commission-dismisses-part-of-complaint-against-carter-co-planning-commissioner

Blasting, excavation, and heavy truck traffic have already started—No environmental, stormwater, or zoning reviews have been made public
Homeowners were never notified — and now they’re suffering the consequences.

The MASSIVE SCAR on the mountain of exposed white rock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Agriculture Equipment" for the Rock Farmers on tiny roads:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How It’s Already Hurting Our Community:

Hardworking Families and Veterans Are Being Harmed--This quiet mountain neighborhood is home to retirees, military veterans, and working families who came here for peace and safety — not explosions, toxic dust, and government betrayal.

Wildlife Is Being Driven Out — and Into Our Yards: The blasting is scattering wildlife and disrupting natural habitats. Residents report daily bear sightings, increased snake activity, and disappearing deer and birds. It’s a dangerous shift in the ecosystem.

Property Values Are Plummeting:

Long-time homeowners are watching their life savings and investments vanish — all because of an industrial operation they never had a chance to oppose.

Our Health Is at Risk: This quarry is releasing hazardous silica dust, a known cause of severe respiratory illness. Families are already reporting coughing, sore throats, headaches, and layers of dust coating porches, cars, and playgrounds.

Our Daily Lives Are Being Disrupted:

Blasting shakes the ground and threatens home foundations. Trucks tear up narrow mountain roads and fill the air with diesel fumes. Noise begins early and lasts all day — and this is only Phase One. Rumors suggest more expansion is coming.

Why We Must Act Now:

This project is moving fast. Once the precedent is set, it will be nearly impossible to stop future expansions or similar “borrow pit” cover-ups across Carter County. If this goes unchallenged:

Your neighborhood could be next!!!
**Environmental damage may be irreversible
**Property rights in Carter County will mean nothing**

 We, the undersigned, demand:

An immediate investigation by TDEC and the Tennessee Comptroller

Revocation of any permits obtained through deception

A full ethics review of local officials tied to this project

An emergency halt to quarry operations until full compliance with zoning and environmental laws is confirmed

This is about more than one quarry. This is about the right to live safely on your own land, without fear that your county government will sell you out behind closed doors.

If you own a home, pay taxes, care about your health, or believe in honest government — sign this petition. Speak up before it’s too late.