“If the groundwater levels become low, a water user may notice that less water is available. The supply may turn muddy or run out completely because there is no longer enough water recharging the well for regular usage.“- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, “Quarries and Water Supplies” – https://www.kutztownboro.org/wp-content/uploads/dep-quarry-water-supply-information/DEPFactSheet.pdf
“Water wells within a cone of depression of a quarry dewatering operation can show evidence of decreased water supply, degraded water quality, or can even go “dry” – Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mineral Resources Management, “Groundwater Investigation of Potential Quarry Dewatering and Depressurization Impacts on Kellys Island, Erie County, Ohio, – http://www.gwpc.org/sites/default/files/event-sessions/Tomastik_Tom.pdf
The map below represents watersheds below Butler, Foster, and Praytor Mountains. Emerald Lake is labeled here as Zamora Lake (top middle). While we don’t know exactly how long-term quarry activity could potentially impact either of these three important watersheds (Gurley Creek, Turkey Creek, Cahaba River), they are close enough that citizens should have grave concerns.
Emerald Lake (formerly Zamora Lake) may be 4.0 driving miles from Butler Mountain but it is less than 1 mile as the crow flies. The photograph on our home page shows Butler Mountain as it looms over the lake.
Photographs below show Emerald Lake as it flows toward Jade Lake and Cosby Lake just off of Old Springville Road.
Photos of Emerald Lake compliments of Keller Williams Realty Blount (left and top left);
Photo of Cosby Lake (above, bottom right) and Turkey Creek (below) compliments of Ross Hutto
The watershed of Turkey Creek Preserve is
located just a few short miles from Butler Mountain.