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Historic Flat Rock Inc. opposes asphalt plant

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 16, 2020

Historic Flat Rock Inc. has issued a statement opposing an asphalt plant in East Flat Rock, saying the facility would cause water and air pollution and jeopardize a mountain bog.

At one time in history Flat Rock encompassed much of Henderson County including East Flat Rock, Hendersonville, and the Green River Township. Hendersonville and Henderson County owe their origins to the generosity of one of Flat Rock' s founders, Judge Mitchell King, who donated the land to establish Hendersonville as the county seat.

"Now, it is time for the communities of Henderson County to come together again," the statement said. "This point in time it is in opposition to the proposed SE Asphalt Plant on Spartanburg Highway in East Flat Rock. The environmental pollutants from the asphalt plant would endanger the water, land, air, and people of Hendersonville, Green River, Flat Rock and East Flat Rock."

The largest historic district in the state of North Carolina, the Village of Flat Rock includes many restored and protected historic landmarks and woodlands. Generations of families, counting many from the Lowcountry of South Carolina, have worked endlessly to preserve and protect Flat Rock. Founded in 1968, Historic Flat Rock Inc. works to protect and preserve the historical, architectural and cultural character of the village.

In addition to the environmental pollutants and property value risks, the plant's location would be a half mile from the remaining portion of the East Flat Rock bog, part of the Mountain Bogs National Wildlife Refuge and is a National Cultural Heritage site, Historic Flat Rock said. It is one of two spots worldwide where the endangered bunched arrowhead plant exists. The impacts from an asphalt plant would cause irrevocable damage to this unique cultural site. As an organization that protects and preserves historic and cultural sites, Historic Flat Rock Inc. opposes the building of the SE Asphalt Plant in East Flat Rock.