**Protect the Integrity of Our Community: No mining in Coffee and Rutherford County**


In the heart of Tennessee, Coffee/Rutherford County boasts not only scenic beauty and rich agricultural heritage but also a tightly-knit community that thrives on mutual respect and collective decision-making. Today, we are faced with a serious threat to our rural way of life and environment - a threat manifesting in the form of a mining proposal under the guise of "Waterson Farm Lakes."

Previously, the community's stance was clear - the county commission rejected multiple rezoning proposals for a quarry at this location, reflecting the will of the people. Yet, the Watersons seek to bypass this decision with a mining permit application (TN0070745). Such actions undermine our local governance and jeopardize the essence of community-led decision making.

The potential impacts of this proposal are significant: potential contamination of wells, increased traffic and wear on our roads, the decline in property values, and the disruption of our serene rural lifestyle. Quarries are industrial operations unfit for residential farming areas, threatening the land and lifestyle we all cherish.

We stand at a critical junction in preserving the integrity and natural splendor of Coffee County. We call upon the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to listen to the voices of the people and deny this permit, respecting the decisions of our local leaders who prioritize community well-being.

The people of Coffee County have already spoken once — and we were heard. When the Waterson family tried to rezone land in our county for quarry use, the Coffee County Commission rejected their request. That decision reflected the will of the people who live here, who understand the dangers a quarry would bring: blasting damage to homes, unsafe truck traffic on rural roads, lowered property values, and lasting harm to our wells, streams, and quality of life.

Now, the same landowners are attempting to work around that decision. Under the name “Waterson Farm Lakes,” they have filed permits with the State of Tennessee. On paper, this project is described as a “farm lake.” But in reality, state records show a pending mining permit (TN0070745) that would allow quarry operations on the same property. This is not transparency — it is a backdoor attempt to force through what our elected officials have already denied.

We cannot allow this.

TDEC must deny the pending mining permit and our county leaders must uphold their original decision to protect Coffee County from quarry activity.

This is not just about one piece of land — it’s about defending the character, safety, and future of our entire county. If a quarry is allowed here despite a rezoning denial, it sets a dangerous precedent for all of Coffee County.

By signing this petition, you join us in urging TDEC to reject the quarry permit and stand by our county officials' original decision. Let's protect Coffee County from industrial encroachment and ensure our voices are heard. 

After signing please call TDEC and file a formal complaint. 

Your petition signature shows community opposition. But your TDEC complaint creates a legal record that must be reviewed.

👉 Please take 2 minutes after signing to file your own complaint:

Email: Columbia.EFO@tn.gov, Chuck.A.Yoest@tn.gov, Ask.TDEC@tn.gov

and if you want us to publish your email (without names) then email us as CoffeeforResponsiblegrowth@gmail.com

Phone: Columbia Field Office – (931) 380-3371

Sample Complaint Language (copy/paste into the form):

“I am filing a formal complaint regarding the Waterson Farm Lakes project (ARAP NR25MS.004; Mining Permit TN0070745 pending). This project has been represented as a ‘lake’ but in fact is a work-around to allow quarrying activity previously denied by Coffee County Commission. I am concerned about impacts to wells, streams, and the rural community, as well as truck traffic and blasting safety. I request that TDEC deny the pending mining permit.”

For more information follow:

Coffee County for Responsible Growth

Save Coffee County

https://savecoffeecountytn.com/