Hearing debates merits of rock quarry

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (AP) — There's a debate on whether an 1,800-acre rock quarry should be permitted in Onslow County.

The Daily News of Jacksonville reports (http://bit.ly/YzuC6T) a public hearing on the project was held Tuesday.

It's the second time Martin Marietta Materials is seeking a permit to open the quarry.

A lawyer representing residents opposed to the quarry and a consultant for Martin Marietta disagreed about the effects of the quarry and whether it would affect the aquifer that provides tap water for the region. They also debated whether the quarry would cause sinkholes in the area.

If the county grants the quarry permit, the company would then have to get a mining permit from the state. The entire permitting process could take five years.

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Information from: The Daily News, http://www.jdnews.com