Our story runs deep - as deep as the quarries that surround us. As residents of Putnamville and Cloverdale, Indiana, more than fifty families call the rural country road their home.

Studies show that areas surrounding quarries can experience a significant decline in air quality, higher levels of particulate matter, and even groundwater contamination. It’s not just about the land—it’s about health impacts on families and the ecological balance that we’ve worked so hard to maintain.

Our walls echo the persistent clatter from five active stone quarries, and our bodies bear the burden of an environment clouded by dust pollution. However, perhaps the most concerning aspect is the stone dust itself, carrying with it fine particulate matter – namely, PM10 and PM2.5. These tiny particles find their way into our lungs and bloodstream, leading to recurrent health issues.

We know where our troubles are rooted. The extraction of stone generates a significant tide of dust. This isn't merely dust; it carries hazardous matter that penetrates our bodies, leading to long-term health consequences. Evidence has further shown that communities near quarries often face heightened health risks.

Our little community in the Putnamville, Cloverdale area of 700 South is not an exception - many among us grapple with illness frequently already. And it’s not just us; our children, our farm animals, are all enduring the effects of this silent nemesis. But if our homes could speak, they might narrate the tale of their steady dilapidation, the cracks in their structures, and the erosion of their integrity – all due to our proximity to these quarries.

It's not just the pollution or the noise and the burden of road traffic on a rural country road—there's also water contamination to consider. The processes used in quarries, including the use of chemicals, can leach into groundwater. How will it affect our natural springs and Limestone Creek?
The area is host to farm animals, deer, birds, foxes, turkeys, and many other animals and serves as a home for creatures that play a vital role in our ecosystem. With a new quarry, there are serious implications for these species. We can already see the difference between the Martin Marietta Putnam Quarry back in operation and the land in question recently being logged.

This area has a rich history of Native American tribes that lived here and thrived on these lands for generations. Purdue University, renowned for its research initiatives, has taken significant steps to uncover the remnants of the past.

As part of this community, stand up for the community impact, the health of our families, and yours. For the well-being of everyone - the fifty families, the children, the animals - we can no longer afford to endure this burden. Sign our petition to help us reclaim the vitality of our community, our health, and our homes.