A good person to contact for Erwin*

I am writing to express deep concern over CSX's ongoing strip mining of river stone from the Nolichucky River Gorge. The safety of our communities on the river and downstream, our drinking water, and our environmental and recreational future is at grave risk due to these actions, which have been conducted with minimal oversight and without the necessary permits. The railroad needs to be rebuilt, but it can be done in a responsible way without causing permanent damage the local economy, tourism, future flood mitigation, or river ecology. Immediate action is necessary, as permanent damages compile daily.
CSX, a $64 billion corporation, has the resources and capability to source materials responsibly without compromising their project timeline. Yet, instead of taking this responsible route, they are choosing to exploit our natural resources, causing irreversible damage to our environment and community. As a taxpayer in this area, I am not only concerned that natural resources are being stolen but also concerned that the effort, as it is currently being performed, is putting the structural integrity and safety of the community at risk.
Every day, massive and irreversible changes are being made to the river ecosystem. The community, regardless of political affiliation, stands united in opposition to these destructive practices. The devastation caused by this mining activity threatens not only our environment but also the local economy and tourism, impacting them for generations. Unicoi County markets itself in the Outdoors, bringing in $30M in tourism annually. The river's recreational quality, which could have been a source of economic growth and enjoyment for many, is at risk of being permanently altered. Furthermore, I am concerned that the mining and mass extraction of river rock will reduce the water's natural filtration, causing our drinking water quality to decrease. Along the river near CSX working sites, the water is visually turbid compared to other areas, raising concerns further. Without proper material usage and without river stone to slow the current, I am also concerned about future impact of high water and flooding events on the community.
Please take immediate action to halt this mining activity and urge CSX to explore alternative sourcing methods that do not involve further harm to our river.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical matter.