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Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan (PCS) Phosphate, Inc. has applied for a permit to destroy over 2,400 acres of existing North Carolina wetlands and waters along South Creek and the Pamlico River in Beaufort County. The permit, if approved, would allow PCS to expand their open pit phosphate mining operations—making the proposal by far the largest wetlands impact and fill proposal in North Carolina history.

South Creek is a designated special secondary nursery area, providing important habitat for estuarine fish, shrimp, crabs, and other aquatic species. The Albemarle-Pamlico Sound is one of the most productive North American fisheries, generating thousands of jobs and over $1 billion annually. Destroying these important fisheries will impact this region long after PCS has left the area. This is to say nothing of the impacts the destruction of wetlands and tidal creeks will have on the region’s tourism and housing industries, other important economic engines of the area.

Despite PCS’ claims that there is only one option that they can pursue, alternatives do exist that reduce environmental impacts. PCS' preferred alternative is not acceptable nor permittable by law. The company has also asked the state to partially relieve them of the responsibility to mitigate this unprecedented impact, knowing the challenge would be too great.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the State of North Carolina have a responsibility to define an alternative that does not result in any short- or long-term degradation of the local natural environment.

Click here for talking points, satellite images, aerial photos, and more!

What You Should Include In Your Comments:

• Why you think these wetlands should be preserved. (e.g., protect water quality, for recreational purposes, preserve home values, protect fishing industry...)
• Once mined these wetlands would be gone forever.
• PCS' preferred alternative is not acceptable or allowable by law.
• The Corps and the State have a responsibility to find an alternative that does not result in short- or long-term degradation of the local natural environment.