Conservancy urges Soddy‑Daisy to verify quarry reclamation after State Scenic River designation

Susan Crowell, chair of Stewardship and Advocacy for the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy, told the Board on June 15 that Governor Bill Lee has designated the North Chickamauga Creek a State Scenic River and urged the city to ensure a nearby quarry has met the reclamation conditions of its 2019 conditional permit.

Crowell said the conservancy secured and deeded roughly 3,500 acres to the state and that the quarry borders state property; she said the quarry’s deadline to cease operations and implement a reclamation plan was that day. Crowell asked that the city require proof that the reclamation conditions—particularly slope stabilization and avoidance of impoundments—have been met and requested the matter return to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Public Works Director Grant told the board the site has been hydroseeded and that the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) reported no off‑site water discharge; Grant said Mr. Rich provided funds to Ivy Academy to purchase and plant trees and that planting will likely occur in the fall. Commissioner Keith said he believes it is the quarry owner’s obligation to verify compliance and suggested an on‑site meeting; Grant agreed to meet with Mr. Rich after July 4. Mayor Everett said the city cannot prevent the anticipated transfer of the property to Ivy Academy and characterized the matter as a civil issue. The board’s consensus was for Public Works Director Grant to meet with Mr. Rich to review the reclamation plan.

Crowell presented photographs and emphasized concerns about slope angles and a vertical cut adjacent to state land; the transcript does not record a definitive verification of compliance during this meeting, and the issue remained a contested and unresolved matter pending the planned site visit.