On Nov 19, 2009 James Schroeder wrote

Here is an update of where I presently am regarding this matter:

In an attempt to better understand the issue, I have corresponded with Landon Medley, the author of the letter to Rep. McDonald regarding this matter. Analysis of the map provided by Landon indicates that the test bore lands in question are located on the extreme western edge of Walden’s Ridge near the western escarpment and in an area bounded by Reel Creek on the north and Skiles Creek on the south and include a tributary of Skiles Creek, all north of Killian Gap and west of Smithtown. Skiles Creek and Reel Creek merge to form Hall Creek. Hall Creek then merges with Rock Creek right at the Bledsoe/Hamilton County line, which is just west of the beginning of State park Lands. Thus any adverse effect on Skiles and/or Reel Creeks will effect the water quality of Rock Creek as it flows through Cumberland Trail State Park, and thus could be a detriment to its use as a water supply for hikers as well as adversely affecting any aquatic life that might exist.

I can personally speak to the effects of similar coal mining along Board Camp Creek many years ago, such mining having taken place in same Sewanee Seam. I have accompanied the State on several sampling missions of the waters of this Creek, such sampling showing a low ph as a result of AMD (Acid Mine Drainage). And in spite of past extensive reclamation projects which included the laying down of tons of limestone as a neutralizing agent, there is still a dark brown runoff stream from one of the mine sites entering the main stream. The effect is that there is little marine life in this stream, and the low ph makes the water questionable for use as a drinking supply for hikers using the Cumberland Trail in this area. Though probably not an immediate health hazard, drinking large quantities of this water could possibly produce a “laxative” effect.

Similar ph readings and brownish water can also be found today in one leg of a feeder stream that feeds Big Possum Creek as it flows through State Park lands, all as a result of coal mining of the same coal seam in that area.

Thus like concerns are associated with any mining that might take place in the area presently under consideration in the Rock Creek headwaters.

Based on this information, I am in the process of formulating a letter voicing my concerns to various state officials as I have previously indicated, including but not limited to the Governor, TDEC, the environmental committees of both legislative branches, and state representatives of the Rock Creek Gorge. I will be glad to share this letter with you all prior to actually sending.

In the meantime, I welcome any comments that any of you might have.

Jim Schroeder