By CAPT. BOB BOULDEN

“Buy A Plate, Save Blounts Creek” and “Success — How Is It Measured?” were titles of previous Washington Daily News columns describing the ongoing “battle” between the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation (PTRF), represented by the Southern Environmental Law Council (SELC) and Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (MMM). Really, it is a battle between MMM and concerned citizens of Beaufort County and beyond!

The attorneys from the SELC thought it beneficial, when approached by MMM, to enter into a “90-day stay” (MMM would not move forward with the project during this time) to determine if a compromise could be reached that would be satisfactory to both sides, instead of discharging up to 12,000,000 gallons per day of water into the swamp at the beginning of Blounts Creek. Unfortunately, a compromise was not attained. MMM is now again able to move forward with development of the site, while the case will be resolved by the courts. (Note that MMM has had all the permits needed to move forward since July 2013.)

Currently, the case will likely be resolved by the courts during the first quarter of 2015 with a “hearing on summary judgment” and if needed an “evidentiary hearing.” Please be aware that delays have occurred several times already, so I am not overly optimistic that the case will be resolved by the end of March 2015 — just my opinion.

While talking about “failure,” let’s remember that none of our elected officials took a stand on our behalf concerning this case. One even stated, “… that’s free enterprise.”

As the wheel slowly turns, I will provide updates as they become available. I remain a concerned citizen of Beaufort County.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 252-402-5564. Thank you for your time!

Bob Boulden is owner of Miss Bea’s Charters and a resident of Blounts Creek.