By now many people have at least heard about the bomb training facility that is trying to get permitted in Robeson County.
Knowledge of this facility first came to the light to many in Dillon County when it was discussed at a Dillon County Council meeting. At this meeting, the council learned that bombs 500 lbs. or less would be detonated intermittently at the training facility. It was also learned that two active creeks on the property feed into the Little Pee Dee River.
The Dillon County Council acted swiftly in passing a resolution of opposition against the facility. They have since been joined by Mayor Tally McColl who said in a recent Dillon CIty Council meeting that the City of Dillon stood in solidarity with the county against the facility, and the Rowland Town Council has also voiced opposition.
However, the only group who has any power to act is the Robeson County Board of Commissioners, and they have tabled the matter until their meeting on June 5th.
So why should this be important to Dillon County? Isn’t this a Robeson County issue?
The property is in close proiximity to Dillon County. Not only that while the property is located in Robeson County, there is no access point in Robeson County. The only access point to the property is in Dillon County. That’s why Dillon County needs to be heard. With Dillon County as the only access point, it will pose issues should emergency services be needed at the property. The non-profit, non-partisan news publication, NC Newsline, whose story is re-published in today’s issue, brings up another interesting point—how will the bombs be transported to the property. The property is not rail-served so the most likely answer is that it will probably be by truck and with only one access point to the property, this would mean that these bombs would have to come into Dillon County to get to the facility. However, as of now, there has been no explanation as to exactly how these bombs will get to the property.
Without a more detailed explanation of the bombs that would be detonated at this location, it is also hard to predict the environmental impacts to the water, air, and soil, or any possible impacts to out scenic Little Pee Dee River. However, the noise alone, even intermittently, could be enough to drive off the wildlife in the area. No one knows the impacts this could have on nearby propertiies and communities, the impacts to nearby farmers or their livestock, etc.
There are too many unknowns in this proposal and too much possible impact to Dillon County for the public to be silent. We must stand in unity with our county council in their opposition to this project. Contact the Robeson County Board of Commissioners, and let them know how you feel or how their decision will impact your county. Show up for the Robeson County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 3th.
There are too many “do not knows” about the possible impact of this facility, but the real question is “Who wants to find out?”
By the time that occurs, it will be too late to do anything about it. Urge the Robeson County Board of Commissioners to deny the permit.
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Editor’s Note: To see past articles about this project, visit The Dillon Herald website, www.thedillonherald.com. To see the council meeting where this was discussed, visit The Dillon Herald channel on YouTube.