What's Happening?
An environmental legal advocacy group has issued a warning to Horizon 30, LLC, a mining company, to stop polluting the Nolichucky River in Mitchell County. The Southern Environmental Law Center, representing MountainTrue and the Center for Biological
Diversity, claims that the company's activities are causing severe harm to the river. Despite a stop-work order issued in early 2025, the company continued its operations, leading to a court injunction in August 2025 to cease all mining activities. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality confirmed that Horizon 30 has stopped its unpermitted activities, but the legal group is threatening further action under the Clean Water Act if pollution continues.
Why It's Important?
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of enforcing environmental regulations and protecting natural resources. The Nolichucky River is a vital ecosystem, supporting wildlife and providing drinking water to communities. The legal action underscores the importance of holding companies accountable for environmental damage and ensuring compliance with regulations. The case also reflects broader concerns about the impact of industrial activities on the environment and the need for vigilant oversight to prevent long-term ecological harm.
What's Next?
The environmental group has issued a 60-day notice of intent to sue under the Clean Water Act, which could lead to legal proceedings if the company does not address the pollution. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar environmental violations are handled in the future. Stakeholders, including local residents and environmental advocates, will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the river is protected and that the company complies with environmental standards.
